Posted on 09/12/2005 9:18:29 PM PDT by jmc1969
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said in an interview yesterday that the United States could withdraw as many as 50,000 troops by the end of the year, declaring there are enough Iraqi forces trained and ready to begin assuming control in cities throughout the country.
"We think that America has the full right to move some forces from Iraq to their country because I think we can replace them [with] our forces," Talabani said. "In my opinion, at least from 40,000 to 50,000 American troops can be [withdrawn] by the end of this year."
Bush has carefully avoided setting a timetable for reducing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, currently about 140,000, and the Pentagon plans to maintain or slightly increase the force level in anticipation of an Oct. 15 referendum on Iraq's new constitution. White House officials say that Bush's strategy for eventually withdrawing troops hinges on Iraqis' approving the constitution and holding successful elections in December.
Dan Bartlett, a senior Bush adviser, said the president and Talabani have the same goals. "We share the same view: As Iraqis build up their capabilities to defend their country, fewer U.S. troops will be needed to complete our mission," Bartlett said. "The president will continue to work with Iraqi leaders, and base his military decisions on the advice of
Many Sunni Arabs oppose the draft constitution, and they are organizing in record numbers to vote against it in Sunni-dominated regions. Talabani raised the possibility of an addendum to the constitution in coming days in an effort to appease Sunni factions. "Of course, we would like to have consensus on all articles of the constitution," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Now how did this piece of Good War News get into the Whinington Psssssst?
J Fn Kerry and "It's a Quagmire Ted" are deeply saddened.
Some GOOD NEWS!!!! Wow, that is a very good question, Sand! The Has-been media don't like to put that kind of stuff out there for everyone to...actually....SEE!!!!
LOL - those boys gotta be feeling the heat! He he he! Good news indeed. But what can you say?? OUR TROOPS ROCK!!
Not only fierce warriors but first rate teachers too.
Trained is one thing.
Do they have firepower, air support, and a world-class intelligence network?
They'll need it...
Im not ready to give Talibani the reins
Telabani is a Kurd, he actually isn't in control of Iraq as the Shia are dominate, but he is our best ally in the region, he wants 3 permanent US military bases in the Kurdish region of Iraq.
I thought the Sunni were dominant
At any rate we have a ways to go bringing the new Government into being.
All the players are transitionary at this point. the Kurds, Shia and Sunni, as well as the US and the endless array of concerned nations have to come to and agreement before any troop reduction can be considered
Wew are making progress, dont get me wrong. I just dont see a major stand down occurring soon
This is bogus bull poop planted by the enemy to suggest that the fragile power structure, in precarious office at this time, wants us out.
We will decide when they are ready to adequately run their country. And, in asmuch as no timeline exists at this time, it could be as our leadership has said often, that it could easily take fifty years or more.
All this has been published and repeated for a very long time. Are you really trying to wish it out of existence?
Only when Saddam was in power.
I understand the New Orleans police force has some openings.
The latest data claims Iraqi security force now has about 190,000. The target is 271,000. It is likely to reach the target at the end of next year or early in 2007 at the current pace. Since there will still be needs of training after the target is reached, that will require coalition force to remain for at least a year even the numbers of troops were to be decreased.
I spent yesterday out at one of the entry control points to Fallujah. I didn't hear one negligent discharge, much less a full auto one, all day long.
That's a vast improvement. The Marines are very good at teaching the Iraqis.
BTTT!!!!!
Thank you for your service
They have ours for the moment. Good to see them mobilizing at a substantial pace.
Stay safe little Bro, stay safe,....and that is good news.
I'm just a dirtbag mercinary contractor :)
I work with the USMC because they're serious about using the system I support.
I came for the money. I stay for catching the bad guys.
Dog- FYI..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.