Higher U.S. troop levels in Iraq likely beyond summer

[rodeodance]

Source: Reuters



Higher U.S. troop levels in Iraq likely beyond summer

By Andrew Gray Sun Apr 22, 10:07 AM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Remarks by senior U.S. commanders and officials and a change in Army deployment plans all suggest the higher level of American troops now building in
Iraq is likely to remain for months beyond the summer.


The Bush administration has avoided predicting how long it will keep the beefed-up force of about 160,000 troops ordered by the president in January.

It has said only that it will review progress in the late summer, a stance stressed last week by Defense Secretary Robert Gates when he visited Iraq. The implication is that troops could then start to be withdrawn but that appears improbable.

Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said during Gates' visit that the buildup of some 28,000 extra troops would not even be complete for another two months.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070422/us_nm/usa_iraq_troops_dc_1;_ylt=AibcSABDejo8IEDm8X2j6j4b.3QA

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. No surprises here - now everyone just move along................

So predictable.

[ohio2007]

2. Anybody remember the articles that said how long the surge would last ?

into September and most likey
into '08.

[Javaman]

3. Escalation by any other name smells just as shitty. nt