Rumsfeld OKs increase in Iraqi forces

[spindrifter]

Stars and Stripes
Oct 31, 9:41 PM EST

By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Tuesday endorsed a proposal to spend at least $1 billion to expand the size and accelerate the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces.

While the plan still must get final approval from the White House and the money would have to be approved by Congress, Rumsfeld's support underscores the Bush administration's effort to shift more of the burden of Iraq's security to that country's forces.

<snip>

So far, the U.S. government has spent roughly $10 billion on developing the Iraqi security forces, according to the latest report released by the Pentagon special inspector general who audits U.S. work in Iraq. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the proposed extra money as more than $1 billion, but would not offer specifics.

<snip>

"Congress must have a clear explanation of why these additional forces are needed, what additional American training resources will be put in place, and how this new training plan will allow for a decreased commitment from American forces," (Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee) said.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAQ?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[BattyDem]

1. Who the hell are they going to send ... the Boy Scouts?

:eyes:

[MadMaddie]

2. Can you say D R A F T