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| Iraq |
| U.S. and Iraqi commanders hail improved security |
| 2007-12-30 |
| U.S. and Iraqi commanders on Saturday hailed a big improvement in security over the past year, while al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden accused the Americans of seeking to exploit Iraq's oil wealth. The top American general in Iraq said progress had been made in curbing attacks and civilian deaths, but warned that the gains could be reversed. "Success will emerge slowly and fitfully with reverses as well as advances. Inevitably there will be tough fighting, more tough days and more tough weeks, but fewer of them, inshallah (God willing)," General David Petraeus said in a year-end briefing to journalists. In a message to his troops, he wrote: "A year ago, Iraq was racked by horrific violence and on the brink of civil war. Now, levels of violence and civilian and military casualties are significantly reduced and hope has been rekindled in Iraqi communities. To be sure, the progress is reversible and there is much more to be done." |
| Posted by:Fred |