No. 2 general in Iraq transfers out of post

[unhappycamper]

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno wishes a happy holiday to soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at the Patrol Base Inchon, about 12 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Thanksgiving, 2007.


No. 2 general in Iraq transfers out of post
By Bradley Brooks - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Feb 14, 2008 20:50:07 EST

BAGHDAD — The No. 2 American commander in Iraq handed off his duties to a new commander Thursday, saying during a ceremony that despite significant security gains made under his watch, much work lies ahead.

Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, who has been tapped to be the next Army vice chief of staff, was one of the main architects of the “surge” of U.S. troops that brought some calm to Baghdad and other parts of Iraq in the latter half of 2007.

He said Thursday that Iran remains a threat to stability in Iraq. U.S. commanders have accused Iran of supporting of Shiite militia groups in Iraq and of supplying high-tech roadside bombs that target American troops.

“I think there is still training going on with these groups. They might have slowed the flow of weapons,” Odierno said at a news conference following a 45-minute ceremony in the ornate rotunda of the al-Faw palace at Camp Victory just outside Baghdad to hand control to Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III.

“I think Iran wants a weak Iraq. But they need to be good partners, as a neighboring country,” Odierno said. “We’ve got to make sure they’re not here trying to create a weak government of Iraq so Iran can be stronger in the region.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_odierno_080214/