Rumsfeld says commanders in Iraq will get more troops if requested

[Judi Lynn]

Rumsfeld says commanders in Iraq will get more troops if requested
By Associated Press
Tuesday, April 6, 2004

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday that American military commanders in Iraq will get additional troops if they request more soldiers to fight a growing Shiite uprising.

Commanders are studying ways they might increase troops in Iraq if should violence spread much more widely, a senior officer said Monday.

Generals believe they have enough forces to handle the attacks that have been coming from various quarters, including the recent violence by a Shiite militia group. But they want to know what is available if the situation gets worse, said the officer, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

Rumsfeld, at an appearance in Norfolk, Va., said that he and President Bush frequently ask commanders in Iraq if they need more troops. He said commanders on the scene, including Gen. John Abizaid, the head of U.S. Central Command, are constantly reviewing the situation.
(snip/...)

http://news.bostonherald.com/international/view.bg?articleid=1476

[JeebusH]

1. & on those requests Dumbsfeld: " .... and I'll kill them if they do!!!"

[Coventina]

2. Brrr.....I feel a DRAFT!

:scared:

[burythehatchet]

3. is it just me

or is it kind of odd that a debate about troop strength is being conducted in the media?

:eyes:

[Windy]

4. I'm teaching my son the Canadian National Anthem`

The border is only 30 miles from my house! If the small numbers of coalition troops haven't decided to pull out already, they certainly will consider it now!

[webtrainer]

5. Rummy's relieves (fires) every commander . . .

who dares to actually "ask" for more troops. Shinseki, Zinni, etc. on down have gone out that way.

That's a good way for the generals to get out of Iraq . . . too bad the privates and sergeants can't get out so easily.

[bluestateguy]

6. 18-25 year olds: Meet your local draft board

They will be making a life and death decision for you sometime next year.

[Moderator]

7. Please discuss here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=467744