Free Republic

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2010 – This summer will mark the first time since 2003 that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan will overshadow the American presence in Iraq, the top U.S. military officer told Congress today. Driving the eclipse is the 30,000-troop surge President Barack Obama announced for Afghanistan in December, roughly a third of which is in place, and with 18,000 of the additional forces expected to be in Afghanistan by late spring as troop levels in Iraq continue to drop. “Indeed, by the middle of this year, Afghanistan will surpass Iraq, for the first time since 2003,...

"The President won’t use the word, “terrorism” in his address to the nation tonight. He won’t say the word “victory.” He won’t utter the word, “win.” He also will be careful not to use the phrase, “troop surge.” He might not use the word, “war,” but likely will have too. It may sound silly if he just calls it an “overseas contingency operation.” He will talk about “finishing” the war. For this commander in chief, that means quitting and coming home. In the upside down world of Barack Obama, a commander in chief is not required to desire a victory...

It was bound to happen sooner or later that President Obama's natural liberal hatered and loathing for all things military slipped out for all to see in a highly palpable and deadly way. Now all this attempt to denigrate General McChrystal is out there. The General has only made what might be considered an indirect appeal for his plan to be implemented. People should keep in mind that a Bush white House and an Obama White House are different creatures when it comes to attitude toward the military. Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, Reid, Frank, the usual liberal suspects.. have exhibited contempt,...

General in Iraq Expects Troop Levels to Drop By LOLITA C. BALDOR ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) - The top U.S. military commander in Iraq said Friday he would make recommendations in the next few weeks about troop withdrawals from Iraq, and he expects the force level will drop back to 138,000 by early February. That has been the usual number this year. Speaking from Iraq, Gen. George Casey told Pentagon reporters that by late next fall, the Iraqi military should be able to largely take the lead in the country's defense, with continued support from U.S. and coalition transition teams....

But plurality would support president if he requested more troopsPRINCETON, NJ -- The latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll finds an increase over the past few weeks in the percentage of Americans favoring a partial or complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Now, 47% of Americans favor a smaller number of troops in Iraq, up from 37% in mid-April. Fewer Americans today say they would support an increase in U.S. troops if President George W. Bush deemed it necessary than did so a few weeks ago, although a plurality would still support this move. The poll finds Republicans, military veterans, and...