Posted on 12/09/2005 5:02:12 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2005 – The United States expects to reduce its troop numbers in Iraq by more than 17,000 following the Dec. 15 national elections, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Dec. 8. Rumsfeld, speaking on PBS' "News Hour With Jim Lehrer," said he expects to reduce the force, which surged to about 155,000 to ensure adequate security for the elections, to the previous baseline of 137,000 or 138,000.
"I'm sure of that," he said, noting that violence is expected to drop following the upcoming election, as it did following the Oct. 15 referendum on the constitution and the Jan. 30 election earlier this year.
"If the past is a guide, we'll undoubtedly see that to be the case," the secretary said.
Following that initial drawdown, decisions on further reductions will be based strictly on conditions and circumstances on the ground and the Iraqi security forces' capability, Rumsfeld said.
"This is a process that will go on," the secretary said. "And as that happens, we will be able to pare down our forces as the conditions permit."
Rumsfeld said he expects field commanders to recommend more reductions as Iraqi security forces grow in size and experience.
Iraq's security forces continue to take on increasing responsibility, he noted. They've taken control of 17 bases and security responsibility for a province and about half of Baghdad, he said.
"They are going to be very much in charge of the election on Dec. 15 in terms of the security for that," Rumsfeld said.
Terrorists, recognizing how much they stand to lose, "will clearly try to make this election a failure," the secretary predicted, but won't succeed in blocking Iraq's political progress.
"They failed to do it in January. They failed to do it in October with respect to a constitutional referendum," he said. "And they're going to fail to do it next week. But they will try."
PING
I agree this is a good thing. Even the left can rejoice, they of course will claim credit.
I thought McCain said we needed more troops?
According the Pentagon Channel, and other military sources, the plan has ALWAYS been to draw down to 92k in 2006.
Credit to the administration for not tying themselves to this number. Fortunately, the MSM ADD continues on the facts.
Remember, the MSM flurry as late as 4 months ago was NOT ENOUGH TROOPS!!!
Rumsfeld will do what is prudent and necessary, no more, no less.
This is the beginning of the reconciliation period, after which the Democrats will always have supported the Iraq war. By 2008, there will have been no dissenters!
You are spot on. Thanks for the comment.
That's McKerry (RINO-AZ)
hehehehehehe!!!
But we'll remind them with proof positive verifiable source with their own words.
hehehehehehehehehe!!!!
I can't stand that egotistical SOB.
I especially don't like a bill he has introduced that would give the American Indians (NAGRA) any and all human remains found in the US and not allow any scientific examination and analysis.
We have a winner. There is nothing "new" here...the troops were already scheduled to start leaving after 15 December.
Most foks have no idea how hard it is to move large numbers of soldiers in/out of theater. You can't just decide one day to do it, and start executing the day after!
Regards,
Interesting name given the comments in your post.
1) We increased troop size specifically for the elections. This is not a pull back. Alan Colmes was just trying the same propaganda on H&C a couple minutes ago and he knows it is a lie to state we are withdrawing forces.
2) They know it's their country, they are dying to defend their country, they don't want us there for ever and it is damn condecending to refer to them in a tone as though they are children that need to be told at age "18" they are on their own. Let along repugnant given the loss of blood they are suffering given Iraq is now the center of the WOT.
I thought we needed more troops.
It is in our best long term interests for Iraq to need our military.
"I'm sure of that," he said, noting that violence is expected to drop following the upcoming election, as it did following the Oct. 15 referendum on the constitution and the Jan. 30 election earlier this year.
"If the past is a guide, we'll undoubtedly see that to be the case," the secretary said.
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