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Iraq
Odierno: US forces come back only if Iraqis flounder
2010-08-23
WASHINGTON — It would take ‘a complete failure’ of the Iraqi security forces for the US to resume combat operations there, the top American commander in Iraq said as the final US fighting forces prepared to leave the country.

With a major military milestone in sight, Gen. Ray Odierno said in interviews broadcast Sunday that any resumption of combat duties by American forces is unlikely.

‘We don’t see that happening,’ Odierno said. The Iraqi security forces have been doing ‘so well for so long now that we really believe we’re beyond that point.’

US involvement in Iraq beyond the end of 2011, Odierno said, probably would involve assisting the Iraqis secure their airspace and borders. While Iraq forces can handle internal security and protect Iraqis, Odierno said he believes military commanders want to have the US involved beyond 2011 to help Iraqis acquire the required equipment, training and technical capabilities.
In this way it may end up being more like agreements we have had with certain other countries, such as South Korea from the 60s to recently, where our presence helps to build local military capability, allow the local political parties to mature, and reminds certain neighbors to keep their hands off.

This is what John McCain meant in 2008 when he talked about being in Iraq for 50 years. He was slammed for it, of course, but note now where this is headed. Bambi has to do it McCain's way or risk being seen as the guy who 'lost' Iraq ...
He said IraqÂ’s security forces have matured to the point where they will be ready to shoulder enough of the burden to permit the remaining 50,000 soldiers to go home at the end of next year.

If the Iraqis asked that American troops remain in the country after 2011, Odierno said US officials would consider it, but that would be a policy decision made by the president and his national security advisers.
Bambi will fudge it through the end of 2012, same as he has on Gitmo, and President Palin will take it from there.
Posted by:Steve White

#2  VARIOUS > seems the Muslim MILF forces in the Philippines are "bracing for war" despite support calls for talks.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2010-08-23 03:24  

#1  GEN. ODIERNO

versus

* WMF > XINHUA: US WAR + FAILURE IN IRAQ CREATES A "NEW LOST GENERATION" OF US SOLDIERS + CIVILIANS, US BEING IRESPONSIBLE FOR WITHDRAWING TOO SOON FROM IRAQ.

ARTIC > Amer's POST-WW2 GENERATION was the original "LOST GENERATION", while those from the Vietnam War were the "DEFEATED GENERATION" [Mostly Self-Immolated "Hippy" = Anti-War CounterCulture Movement]???
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2010-08-23 00:47  

00:00