Free Republic

DAVOS, Switzerland - Britain said Saturday it hopes to lower the number of troops it has in Iraq, as former President Bill Clinton warned that the United States and its supporters should not leave Iraq prematurely. At the fourth and final day of the World Economic Forum, Iraqi officials urged more time and patience as they struggle to rebuild their country. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said London was looking to withdraw some of its 8,500 troops later this year, but did not provide a timetable. "We hope to do some of that during the course of this year in...

WASHINGTON — The Army is likely to make a temporary 30,000 increase in troop numbers permanent as it struggles to ease the burden on forces strained by the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a senior Army general said Thursday. The general, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the boost in the Army's ranks had become necessary for the military to meet its growing overseas commitments. A year ago, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld allowed the Army to temporarily boost its ranks by 30,000 to reduce stress on the force. But he has long opposed a permanent increase in...