But... but... the surge was supposed to work. Fifteen-thousand troops could be in Iraq longer

[ck4829]

The Pentagon is considering extending the tours of duty for up to 15,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq.

That's according to a senior official, who says the plan would have to be approved by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

The U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, believes the troop increase that President Bush ordered in January has produced some momentum in fighting violence. And so the official says Petraeus wants to maintain higher troop levels past the summer.

Defense officials are looking at the idea of a maximum 120-day extension for five active duty brigades that would otherwise return home in the coming months.

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6347376&nav=3YeX

[seabeyond]

1. my friends family of military. he came home on leave. snuck out of iraq

thru the dark of night. my friend was telling me yesterday about her son coming home for a visit and how long the trip took. always moving at night. hiding his way thru iraq to come home. i asked her.... but but but i hear that it is so safe in iraq a person can walk down the street. she snorted..... said the whole place was a mess, everything screwed up and certainly not safe for anyone.

he is there for 18 months after another tour that had him seriously injured and she says military has option to send him back again.