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| Iraq |
| U.S. reduces bases in N. Iraq from 27 to 17 |
| 2005-10-31 |
| The U.S. military has reduced its presence in northern Iraq. Over the last year, U.S. officials said, the U.S. military has reduced its presence in north-central Iraq from 27 to 17 bases. They said the Iraq Army has proven capable of assuming security responsibility, but still required U.S. logistical support. "During our time, we have been able to close 10 U.S. forward operating bases, turning most of those over to Iraqi army units, therefore reducing coalition force presence," Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, commander of the U.S. Army's 42nd Infantry Division, said. "In fact, soon, the former palace complex of Saddam Hussein in Tikrit, once the headquarters of Task Force Liberty and the 42nd Division, will be turned over to the people of Iraq..." Taluto, also in charge of the Multinational Division in north-central Iraq, said Iraqi security forces have been steadily progressing. He said the Iraq Army has two division headquarters, five brigades and 18 battalions in his area of command. "Nearly half of our operations in MND North-Central are led by or conducted only by Iraqi army forces," Taluto said. "They are equipped with over 85 percent of their organizational equipment and are working towards sustainment capabilities." The general said the Iraq Army and police continue to be hampered by an inadequate logistical infrastructure. Taluto said Iraqi army and police forces were still unable to obtain spare parts, maintenance, repairs, light arms or heavy weapons. "We want the Iraqi [military] leaders to sustain themselves as the coalition draws down," Taluto said. "They have to improve." Taluto also reported a decrease in Al Qaida influence in his region. He said suicide bombings have dropped steadily since a peak in June 2005. "Number one, I think we're getting further division between Al Qaida in Iraq and the Iraqi rejectionists or Saddamists," Taluto said. "I don't think Al Qaida in Iraq's message is resonating very well, and I think we're seeing, at least in North-Central, we're not seeing as much of their influence in there." |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #3 US reducing bases! It's a quagmire I tell you. |
| Posted by: doc 2005-10-31 19:09 |
| #2 True waffles-centric policraticism! LOL |
| Posted by: Darrell 2005-10-31 18:56 |
| #1 And in true waffles-centric policraticism, the Lefties have already begun complaining, essens criticizing Dubya "troubled" and "lame duck" Admin. for using the redux to hide his Admins. alleged "serious" probs. of credibility and defective security planning. Goes to show Dubya ahd the GOP can't win no matter what he does, and no matter what pol concessions/compromises he makes wid the Demmies. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2005-10-31 18:44 |