Bush Spins Self-Sufficiency of Iraqi Troops

[JABBS]

"At this moment, more than a dozen Iraqi battalions have completed training and are conducting anti-terrorist operations in Ramadi and Fallujah. More than 20 battalions are operating in Baghdad. And some have taken the lead in operations in major sectors of the city. In total, more than 100 battalions are operating throughout Iraq.

Our commanders report that the Iraqi forces are operating with increasing effectiveness. ... The growing size and increasing capability of the Iraqi security forces are helping our coalition address a challenge we have faced since the beginning of the war.

.. As members of Congress speak with Generals (John) Abizaid and (George) Casey, I'm confident they'll see what I see ..."

-- President Bush, in Rose Garden address, Sept. 28

"The number of Iraqi battalions capable of combat without U.S. support has dropped from three to one, Gen. George Casey, the top American commander in Iraq told Congress Thursday.

Despite the drop, Casey hailed significant progress in training Iraqi security forces and noted that U.S. troops are embedded with more Iraqi units in mentoring roles than before.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) questioned why the generals are discussing troop withdrawals when it's clear Iraqi security forces aren't ready.

'You're taking a very big gamble here. I hope you're correct. I don't see the indicators yet that we are ready to plan or begin troop withdrawals given the overall security situation. And that just isn't my opinion alone,' he said."

-- Associated Press, Sept. 29

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This item first appeared at Journalists Against Bush's B.S.

[aquart]

1. Bush lies.