"Almost all Iraqi divisions will be capable of leading" by end of 2006

[Human Torch]

Gen. George Casey said he thinks it will be possible to withdraw some of the 130,000 U.S. forces in the months ahead as long as Iraq’s government and security forces make progress. Casey would not say whether he plans to advise Bush on a troop reduction plan Monday. But the general hinted the time soon may come for such a recommendation. “I was waiting until we got a government seated before I gave the president another recommendation so we have some sense of what we’ve got,” Casey said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

---SNIP---

Casey told “Fox News Sunday” that “it’s not likely” that he would request more troops during the discussions, but he did not rule out bringing in more to help secure Baghdad in the future.

Casey described a “great shift” in responsibility from U.S. forces to the Iraqis over the past year. He said more Iraqis are taking the lead in the fight, although that does not mean they can operate without support such as logistics, intelligence and medical evacuations.

“We think by the end of the summer, some 75 percent of the Iraqi brigades will be in the lead,” Casey said. “And we think by the end of the year, almost all the Iraqi divisions will be capable of leading.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13268742/



Bush gathers top aides to discuss Iraq June 12: Following the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the formation of a new government in Iraq, President Bush gathers his top advisers to plan the American role in the country’s future. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.

[ugarte]

1. Pure BS, timed for November. Casey is in Bush's pocket...

I find it more and more disgusting that the active generals play this political game. Odds are, only when he retires will he tell the truth. From most accounts, the Iraqi units are rife with desertion and exist at full strength only on paper.

[jaxx]

2. Well they must be doing a heck of a job on progress this week.

I believe nothing they say. Nothing.

[gratuitous]

3. And what will Casey do if they aren't ready?

Will he resign in disgrace? Or keep picking up his paycheck until he qualifies for his full pension, at which point he'll retire and suddenly decide to start telling the truth?

[Eugene]

4. That's a real tall order if Iraq can't pay or feed its troops regularly.

Hundreds of Iraqi soldiers deserting - UPI

The phrase "in the lead" is very intersting.
Didn't they use the measure "on their own"
just a few months ago?

[The Deacon]

5. Then why

is the Pentagon working up budgets for 50,000 troops to be stationed in Iraq after the insurgency is "over."