Been hearing more and more about coming troop withdrawal, etc. in Iraq, such as this:
The U.S. Army has said it will gradually reduce its presence in Iraqi cities and hand over control to Iraqi security forces. The Army has so far given a detailed withdrawal plan only for the capital, Baghdad, which it envisages to be virtually free of U.S. troops by May.While pulling back from densely populated areas such as Baghdad, U.S. forces will remain nearby and ready to rapidly respond to civil disorder, U.S. officials have said.
U.S. commanders say the security situation is improving and the number of insurgent attacks including roadside bombings and hit-and-run firing are coming down. Still, the monthly U.S. casualty rate has remained steady with 251 soldiers dying in hostile action since May 1.
There was another piece on NPR the other day talking about some sort of lawyer brigade whose numbers are going to be significantly reduced as well. the Baghdad thing really struck me, though. Seems like January was pretty nasty, so I don't know where they're getting the "situation is improving" line. Not to mention that attack on the Kurds a few days ago...does the Bush Administration think that the insurgents are going to sit down with the IGC for tea and crumpets once the Americans skedaddle?
Posted by Jason at February 6, 2004 11:12 AM