U.S. General in Iraq Outlines Troop Cuts

[Barrett808]

U.S. General in Iraq Outlines Troop Cuts
By MICHAEL R. GORDON
Published: June 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, June 24 — The top American commander in Iraq has drafted a plan that projects sharp reductions in the United States military presence there by the end of 2007, with the first cuts coming this September, American officials say.

According to a classified briefing at the Pentagon this week by the commander, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the number of American combat brigades in Iraq is projected to decrease to 5 or 6 from the current level of 14 by December 2007.

Under the plan, the first reductions would involve two combat brigades that would rotate out of Iraq in September without being replaced. Combat brigades, which generally have about 3,500 troops, do not make up the bulk of the 127,000-member American force in Iraq.

American officials emphasized that any withdrawals would depend on continued progress, including the development of competent Iraqi security forces, a reduction in Sunni Arab hostility toward the new Iraqi government and the assumption that the insurgency will not expand beyond Iraq's six central provinces. Even so, the projected troop withdrawals in 2007 are more significant than many experts had expected.

Estimating the precise number of American troops that may be deployed in Iraq at the end of 2007 is difficult, one officer said. A reduction of eight combat brigades would equal about 28,000 troops. But that does not mean that the reduction in the remainder of the force would be proportional: troops would still be needed to help with logistics, intelligence, training and airstrikes.

(more)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/world/middleeast/25military.html?hp&ex=1151208000&en=6477656e4067993d&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[msongs]

1. general casey is gonna cut and run despite the repubs in the senate

and their vote to stay forever.

Msongs

hear our song demos
www.msongs.com/msongsdemos.htm

[daleo]

2. An election stunt, in my opinion

They will go right back after November. But the TV news will be full of pictures of joyful reunions in October.

[grytpype]

6. Hell yes, it is no coincidence that the first troops are coming home Sept!

[Placebo]

8. I agree.

[keopeli]

3. Such transparent propaganda - and the bushbots will eat it up

All last week, "Dems want to cut and run!" Dems suggest having troops out by 2007, "They want us to lose the war!"

Now, we learn there will be a cut in September with much more by the end of 07.

Here's what will happen:

September - about 8000 troops will be sent home

If the Repubs are still losing in the polls, then October will see another 3000 troops sent home.

Once 07 rolls around, the number stays the same ALL YEAR. And that number is about 120,000 troops. If there's any change, it will be an increase.

That's it. They are doing this to win the election. They've done it before.

In 02, it was the vote on authorizing force in Iraq because otherwise there will be a "mushroom cloud".

In 04, it was the OBL video and "stay the course".

In 06, it's reducing the troop number (by a few thousand).

None of this matters. They have rigged the vote. This is just to cover their asses.

[Roy]

4. Are they preempting the Iraqi Government?

Since they are on the verge of getting kicked out, they will announce that.... "Hell we were leaving anyway.

"Iraqi government to announce "Peace Plan" on Sunday"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2352432&mesg_id=2352432

[Rose Siding]

5. The Sunday shows should be interesting.

There are some Dems lined up, and a variety of strong quotes from dozens of them suggesting a move in this direction.

Timmy will have to stamp his little feet and explain how it's Not The Same Thing At All!

[karynnj]

7. I hope the Democratic leadership thanks Kerry and Feingold

The only reason the Senate debated the war last week is because Kerry, Feingold and Harkin submitted amendments. The leadership's alternative was created only in response to it. Without those amendments and the furious Republican responses, this would have had a bigger splash for the Republicans - if it is done.

[killbotfactory]

9. Don't they call this "cutting and running"?

Seems they want to have their cake and eat it too