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"Sunni Arab opposition to Iraq's draft constitution has increased the potential for instability and called into question U.S. hopes for substantial troop cuts next spring, the top U.S. Commander in Iraq said Friday (General George Casey)." _______ In my opinion, we should expect to be in Iraq a long time. I believe that we need to establish permanent bases there as we did in Japan and Germany after World War II. There would be many benefits to this strategy. Also, I advise President Bush to stay the course until the job is completed. Respectfully submitted, J. Scott Davis Veteran: U.S....

The top US commander in Iraq has expressed concern about the ability of Iraqi forces to cope with security in the run-up to elections next month. The head of Central Command, General John Abizaid, said Iraqi troops did not have the training or experience to do the job without extra American help. At least 14 people died in bomb attacks in Baghdad and Mosul on Saturday. However, Gen Abizaid said border security had improved, with less infiltration by foreign insurgents. Need for stability Speaking at a regional conference on Gulf security in Bahrain, he called on Iraq's neighbours - in...