Source:
ap Admiral cites problems undermining Iraq
By RICHARD LARDNER, Associated Press Writer 45 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Slow progress in Iraq is undermining U.S. credibility and emboldening Iran's regional ambitions, says President Bush's nominee to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In written answers to prepared questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Adm. Michael Mullen said those concerns can be eased by successes on the ground in Iraq. While there's been steady progress on that front, there's been only limited headway in achieving reconciliation among Iraq's political factions, according to Mullen.
Resolving this internal conflict among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds "remains the precondition to an Iraq that can govern, defend and sustain itself and be an ally in the war on terror," Mullen said in answers to the committee's questions obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
"Achieving progress in Iraq and furthering broader U.S. regional interests are inextricably linked," he added. "Slow progress in Iraq is undermining U.S. credibility and weakening efforts to achieve regional objectives."
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070730/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq;_ylt=AlSAHefb9XoXDNMulbUT_32s0NUE
maybe the parliment will have a working vacation??