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| Iraq |
| US commander sees fewer foreign fighters in Iraq |
| 2009-06-16 |
| BAGHDAD - Iraq has seen a significant fall in the number of foreign fighters arriving to battle U.S. and local forces, and efforts by neighbouring Syria are starting to bear fruit, U.S. General Ray Odierno said on Monday. “We have seen a significant decrease in the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq in the last eight to 10 months,” Odierno, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, told a news conference alongside the Iraqi defence and interior ministers. “For the most part it has just been a trickle ... We have seen some fighters coming through Syria, but Syria has been taking some action over the last few weeks, so hopefully that will continue." Defence Minister Abdel Qader Jassim said the June 30 withdrawal of American soldiers from urban centres marked the start of an important new era building Iraq’s institutions. Odierno said a “very small number” of U.S. troops will remain in some Iraqi towns and cities as trainers and advisers. “The dark days of the previous years are behind us. Iraqis are able to live more normal lives,” he said. “It is a fitting time for our combat forces to move out.” |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 Cool. Here is what USA Today says: BAGHDAD — The top U.S. commander in Iraq said Monday that the country's "dark days" of violence have passed, and that improved security will allow U.S. combat troops to withdraw from cities as promised by the end of this month. Gen. Ray Odierno had said as recently as March that U.S. troops might stay in restive areas such as the northern city of Mosul if the Iraqi government requested their help. Odierno said Monday that he feels "much more comfortable with the situation in Mosul now." * * * * Now, if you care to Google 'restive areas' or check dictionary.com for the definition of RESTIVE,you will see that the troops are getting the shitty end of the stick.... again. Barry sends |
| Posted by: George Elmavimble6947 2009-06-16 15:57 |