Gates: Pause in troop cuts makes sense

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq - In a clear sign the drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq will be suspended, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday he favors taking time this summer to assess security gains before more troops leave the country, an idea President Bush is expected to support.

It was Gates' first public endorsement of a possible suspension, and it would seem to mark an end to the Pentagon chief's previously stated hope that conditions in Iraq would permit American troops to withdraw in the second half of this year as rapidly as they are leaving now.

"A brief period of consolidation and evaluation probably does make sense," Gates told reporters during a short stop at this U.S. base in southern Baghdad. He had just finished private meetings with Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and the No. 2 commander, Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno.

Gates did not say how long the pause might last, noting that it ultimately would be a decision for the president.

Gates is exercising great wisdom in his decision.

Many supporters of the troop surge have declared it a success. More cautious in their appraisals have been President Bush, Defense Secretary Gates, and Gen. David Petraeus, and for good reason. Few things can rankle Americans more than being told of a military success prematurely.

Around the time the troop surge was employed, the nemesis of Iraqi self government, Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr declared a ceasefire of his militias until Spring of this year. Not to discredit any efforts our military has experienced, put of their success is due to not having to combat these militias.

If our troop withdrawals occurred before the Iraqi forces are in place to combat any possible resurgence of al-Sadr militias, the nation would be asked again for a new troop surge, and it would most likely be denied.

I recognize our military forces have made great sacrifices securing Iraq. It is necessary to ask of them to continue at present so their efforts will not have been for naught.

In a related news story today, Iraq's Sadr may extend ceasefire: Petraeus

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