Posted on 01/30/2005 7:17:23 PM PST by hope
U.S. troops stationed in Iraq could be out of the war-torn country by the middle of next year, if all goes well.
That according to Iraqi interim Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib, who told Britain's Channel 4 News that coalition forces would likely not be necessary in a year and a half.
"I think we will not need the multinational, foreign forces, in this country within 18 months," al-Naqib said. "I think we will be able to depend on ourselves, if everything goes in the right direction.
"We are building our forces and I think we will need 18 months. It's my estimate that we will have quite a reasonable-sized force, trained, well-trained force, well-equipped to protect the country. So I believe very much that we won't need more than 18 months."
His optimism was tempered, though, by Iraqi national security adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie, who told CNN he believes the U.S.-led force should remain in Iraq for "at least a couple of years" until Iraq's security force is up to speed.
"Then and only then, we will ask the multinational forces to leave Iraq," he said. "Practically speaking, we need the multinational forces to stay in Iraq for the foreseeable future."
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says American troops will remain in Iraq until the country's forces can handle security on their own, adding there was no timetable for withdrawal.
"The coalition is there under a U.N. mandate to help the Iraqis because they're not quite capable yet of carrying out their own security functions," Rice said on CNN's "Late Edition." "But we are concentrating on training those forces."
Some 120,000 Iraqi security personnel including over 50,000 police have been trained, but Rice says many are not battle-tested.
"No one really knows how well they're going to fight until they're in a fight," she said.
On NBC's "Meet the Press," Sen. John Kerry expressed dismay at the condition of the Iraqi forces.
"I'm appalled at the level of training that's been taking place," the ex-presidential candidate said. "Other countries could be training them."
He also suggested the U.S. might wear out its welcome in the country.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they even asked us to leave in some way over a period of time," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if the administration privately, behind closed doors, asked them to ask us to leave."
History is a fine teacher. except for those who are aggressive in their ignorance.
Congressman Billybob [TWO different columns this week]
Click for latest, "Homer, Shakespeare, Pope, and George Bush"
With Senators like Kerry, our enemies have their own operatives on the inside.
We're building FOBs in the western desert. We're staying there a long time.
I do hope they offer us a base of opperation there for other possible actions, like IRAN.
According to the folks over at DU, this is all bull. Bush would never let them have control of the oil. etc, etc, etc. It is pathetic how pathetic the folks over there are. I just check them out for fun folks.
Kerry thinks this may have happened because that's what he would have done.
What a tool...
We ain't leaving Iraq anytime soon, Congressman Billybob.
This "eighteen month" window is a ludicrous pipe dream. The majority of Iraqis want a US presence until the "insurgents" from Chechnya, Iran, Syria and Jordan have been nullified to a point where the Iraqi military and police can take over.
That should take us well beyond 2007. If the GOP wins the White House in 2008. Iraq could become an American Protectorate. Which translates into PCS bases and many, many TDYs to augment that force.
Personally, I'd like to see a few fighter, armor, helicopter and bomber bases scattered about Iraq. To keep the neighbors in check.
Jack.
But a draw down of forces in a year or two would be a good thing.
True, maro:
A "draw down" is not an "exit strategy". Though there will be an abundance of 11-Bravos (Infantry) and support troops in Iraq for the foreseeable future.
How long we stay is up to the actions of the Iraqis and the Bad Guys. Since the latter can always fall back across borders and strike once the draw down is announced and in motion.
Personally, I don't have a problem with Forward Operating Bases in the heart of the Middle East. Since I may some day soon be visiting one or more with my Reserve Unit. It keeps the enemy honest.
Jack.
Please help me. I cannot find my history book, and I was wondering if you could tell me exactly what FDR's exit strategy was for WWII. I patiently await your reply.
Thanks much.
What other countries? I'm sure France could teach them how to best waive a white flag, but I don't think that's the kind of training they need!
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