Posted on 05/22/2008 10:30:39 AM PDT by MNJohnnie
Gen. David H. Petraeus said he expects to recommend further cuts in the size of U.S. forces in Iraq before he gives up command in September.
The military is currently cutting its forces down to 15 brigades, or about 140,000 troops. That drawdown is scheduled to be concluded by July. Last month, President Bush endorsed Petraeus' call for a 45-day pause before the troop reduction.
Petraeus noted those further cuts may be small but said that he always intended to make constant reassessments of force level requirements.
"My sense is that I will be able to make a recommendation at that time of further reductions," Petraeus said.
The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing today on the nomination of Petraeus to become the top U.S. commander in the Middle East and the nomination of Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to succeed him as the top commander in Iraq.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I realize that Iran is somewhat of a question mark, but Petraeus’s leaving Iraq is, IMHO, akin to “TOP SURGEON” Petraeus leaving the operating room and telling his assisting surgeon to “Close for me, Ray!”.
When you back up is this guy, you can leave the closing to him.
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