Gates: Secure, stable Iraq is within reach

[unhappycamper]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, is introduced to soldiers Dec. 5 by Army Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, commanding general of Multi-National Division-North, right, after arriving at Mosul Airfield in Iraq.


Gates: Secure, stable Iraq is within reach
By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 5, 2007 11:16:12 EST

BAGHDAD — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday he believes a secure and stable Iraq is within reach, although there’s been an uptick in violence in the north where al-Qaida is trying to re-establish a foothold.

Gates’ comments came as a car bomb exploded in a largely Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad, killing at least 14 people, police said. The explosion happened across the Tigris River from the Green Zone shortly before Gates’ news conference with Iraq’s defense minister.

Acknowledging the precarious nature of any security gains in the country, Gates said that much work remains to be done to ensure Iraqi forces are ready to take over more military duties from U.S. troops. Iraqis who have been fighting insurgents on the local level must be integrated into Iraqi security forces, for example, he said.

“I believe that a secure, stable Iraq is within reach,” Gates said. However, he added, “We need to be patient.”

Gates noted a decline in overall violence in Iraq during recent months, which has led to a substantial increase in the number of refugees returning home, as well as international investment in the country despite nearly five years of war.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_gatesiraq_071205/



uhc comment: Hate to tell ya this Bobby, but the reason Iraqis are coming home is because they have run out of money and their visas are not being renewed.