Hub rep in Iraq: Troops angry at extended tours

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Source: Boston Herald

Troops in Iraq were visibly angry when they found out they were being forced to spend an extra three months in the country, said U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston), who was in Iraq yesterday.

“It was clear and unequivocal anger on their end,” Lynch said.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced Wednesday that Army units in Iraq, which currently are on 12-month tours, will now serve 15 months. This applies to troops now in Iraq.

Lynch, who is leading a congressional trip monitoring the surge strategy in Baghdad, said the news was particularly “gut-wrenching” for men and women who expected to leave soon. “All of the hope had been built up.”

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