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Iraq
US general asks for more troops in northern Iraq
2007-05-12
The commander of US forces in northern Iraq said yesterday that he did not have enough troops to bring stability, sharpening the debate in America about the effectiveness of George Bush's war plan.

Major General Benjamin Mixon told a video press conference that his region was a haven for militants fleeing a crackdown by US forces in Baghdad, and that the local Iraqi authorities were virtually non-functioning. "I am going to need additional forces in Diyala province to get the situation there to an acceptable level," he said. There are 3,500 troops in the region.
Posted by:Steve White

#10  Diyala ain't the NORTH - its more of a border area between Baghdata and Iran. The true NORTH of Iraq is Kurd area, and these Shia radicals and Sunni Fundies are headed to their deaths if they set foot in Kurd areas - the Peshmerga does not play around, and unlike the Madhi Army, they don't run and hide in Iran when confronted.

Diyala is the firesack we want them in.
Posted by: OldSpook   2007-05-12 23:10  

#9  Why is he making his case in public though?

'video press conference'? He probably forgot who he was talking to.
Posted by: Pappy   2007-05-12 22:14  

#8  Coulda, shoulda, woulda don't work now. Such language sounds like what the BDS folks like to spout.

Rummy did this, Casey did that.....BS, folks.

I do question Mixon in view of Roggio's writings. But with two of the additional battalions earmarked for Anbar, he is probably stating his case for shifting some of that to Diyala and quick.

Why is he making his case in public though?
Posted by: Captain America   2007-05-12 15:57  

#7  There is something fishy about this. Per Bill Roggio, the plan has always been to reinforce Diyala province in mid-June.

Why is this General complaining to the press about reinforcements he knows are on the way?

Either this is inaccurately reported or the guy is kissing up to the Democrats for future considerations.

Al
Posted by: Frozen Al   2007-05-12 13:32  

#6  I appreciate Gen. Mixon's honesty. But he's screwed. Where are the troops coming from? They have a plan for 65,000 more in the fall including some from Germany, but I doubt this comes to fruition. What really pisses me off is that Gen. Casey, now back at Pentagon is demanding a troop increase immediately of 60,000. Yet for three years while he was in charge , on station, he repeatedly recited the mantra that he had plenty of troops and did not see a requirement for more. What a pathetic ass-kissing liar. We needed many more troops from day one. Now the window of opportunity is closing. A day late & a little more than a buck short General.
Posted by: Woozle Elmeter2970   2007-05-12 12:32  

#5  heh
Posted by: Frank G   2007-05-12 11:03  

#4  Donald Rumsfeld is gone. Get over it.
Posted by: Pappy   2007-05-12 10:56  

#3  Donald Rumsfeld please take note.
Posted by: Besoeker   2007-05-12 05:57  

#2  Would it be possible to descend on that place like locusts and wipe them out? Or would it take more tips than they are likely to get before they melt away again?

I understand they have software that tracks people now. Would that work here? Just go through and ID everyone you find. Do that until you start seeing patterns. Thumbprint checks at every opportunity even for no real reason until you get a big picture. Would that work?
Posted by: gorb   2007-05-12 02:41  

#1  FREEREPUBLIC > CoSArmy CASEY > US ARMY MUST BE READY FOR "PERSISTENT" [Global]CONFLICT.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2007-05-12 00:08  

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