Number of nations sending troops to Iraq declining

[MaineDem]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of countries providing troops to serve in Iraq as part of the American-led coalition is declining, and some key U.S. allies have announced plans to keep forces there only at reduced levels.

These developments come as the United States plans to roll back the size of its own 155,000-member force that was in place for December 15 Iraqi parliamentary election and considers deeper troop cuts later in 2006.

Meanwhile, the number of U.S.-trained Iraqi security personnel has been steadily growing and stands at 223,000, according to Pentagon figures.

There are 20,000 non-U.S. foreign troops in the coalition from two dozen countries, with the largest contingent the roughly 8,500 British providing security in southern Iraq.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2006/01/01/number_of_nations_sending_troops_to_iraq_declining/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

[PATRICK]

1. Stooges not stupid

Bush might have hoodwinked a large UN contingent into holding the Iraq bag while the Grand Army of the Oil Empire forged ahead. But the small contingents signal awareness that the US WILL be pulling out to step into more sweetness and light and these "allies" want less of that preferred sucker status now reserved for our most value priced levies.

[billybob537]

2. According to Pentagon figuers

And you can count on the Pentagon.
The Pentagon that pays so-called journalists to spread propaganda.
The pentagon that gives no-bid no challenge contracts to Haliburtin/ Cheneyco.
The pentagon that had a plan to save the oil but not the archives of civilization in Iraq.
The pentagon that hires out torture to the lowest bidder.