U.S. Considers Increasing Pace of Iraq Pullout

[RamboLiberal]

Source: NY Times

The Bush administration is considering the withdrawal of additional combat forces from Iraq beginning in September, according to administration and military officials, raising the prospect of a far more ambitious plan than expected only months ago.

Such a withdrawal would be a striking reversal from the nadir of the war in 2006 and 2007.

One factor in the consideration is the pressing need for additional American troops in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other fighters have intensified their insurgency and inflicted a growing number of casualties on Afghans and American-led forces there.

More American and allied troops died in Afghanistan than in Iraq in May and June, a trend that has continued this month.

Although no decision has been made, by the time President Bush leaves office on Jan. 20, at least one and as many as 3 of the 15 combat brigades now in Iraq could be withdrawn or at least scheduled for withdrawal, the officials said.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/washington/13military.html?hp

[Ian David]

1. Smoke and mirrors. n/t

[Bobcat]

2. Re: Withdrawal

Well, duh! The oil contracts are a done deal. Time to go!!

[raebrek]

3. Yay!!! n/t

[bemildred]

4. So our military presence in Iraq may be "increasingly declining"? nt

[Bandit]

5. Oil deals have been inked and there is no longer any need

We own their oil now so "Mission Accomplished" bring the troops home with a ticker tape parade and let watch Republicans claim their huge victory..