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"The dark days of the previous years are behind us. Iraqis are able to live more normal lives," he said. "It is a fitting time for our combat forces to move out."
Posted on 06/20/2009 3:57:08 PM PDT by STARWISE
US commander in Iraq claims the military has largely honored the security agreement with Baghdad amid, what he claimed to be, a relative lull in militant activities.
On Monday, General Ray Odierno said the pullout from urban areas was on the go with the troops having left the Iraqi forces in charge of 142 former US bases, Xinhua reported.
Briefing a press conference in Baghdad, he suggested a link between the withdrawal and an alleged respite in al-Qaeda-linked attacks -- which the United States projects as an outcome its invasion of Iraq.
Odierno claimed the US was 'absolutely committed' to the pullout plan which envisages withdrawal from cities and towns by the end of the month and a complete retreat by 2011.
The troops are, as well, expected to leave the violence-ridden northern city of Mosul which continues to host spates of bombing attacks.
Despite the new administration's apparent determination to cease the military presence in Iraq, Pentagon officials have been using a rise in violence to lay down a scheme for a prolonged stay in the oil-rich country.
Late last month, US Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey said Washington was to maintain its combat troops in Iraq for another 10 years despite the agreement.
He cited global trends which were "pushing in the wrong direction" to explain potential 'fundamental changes' in the Army.
"The dark days of the previous years are behind us. Iraqis are able to live more normal lives," he said. "It is a fitting time for our combat forces to move out."
~~What you won’t hear celebrated by the ‘media’ ... Thank you, American Armed Forces !!
May God bless them all.
Although this got me:
a scheme for a prolonged stay in the oil-rich country.
The anti-American propaganda never ceases does it?
God bless our troops!
God has certainly blessed US with them.
Judging by the hot women serving in our Armed Forces, I am reminded by the actor who played Paulie Walnuts in the Sopranos when he visited Iraq w/ Tony Soprano (Gandolfini). “You know what, these pretty girls would have been chased by the boys stateside, yet here they are protecting us from the scum. God bless em’”
The anti-American propaganda never ceases does it?
@@@@
They never give up. They might as well have a type of Tourette’s Syndrome, because the anti-American sentiments just pop into their every thought and article.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq-bombing21-2009jun21,0,1042986.story
BTTT
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