Pentagon Lauds Iraq Leadership Over Basra
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon’s top military official on Wednesday praised Iraq’s government for going after militiamen in the southern city of Basra.
At a Pentagon news conference, Adm. Mike Mullen said it will take a while to figure out who won and who lost in last week’s fighting. But he also said that he applauds the intent the Iraqis had in trying to solve the problem of violence in the city.
Mullen said U.S. commanders have been looking forward to a time when the Iraqi security forces would take the lead and be aggressive in providing for their own security.
From that standpoint, he said, Iraq’s “intent was very positive.”
Mullen also said that U.S. commanders were informed about the planned operation before the fact, but that the offensive was Iraqi-led and Iraqi-planned.
Mullen said U.S. forces provided logistical help in the way of intelligence and air support. And U.S. special advisers embedded with Iraqi forces were there with the Iraqis during the offensive. He would not say how many U.S. troops participated.
Mullen also said there are no plans to add any additional U.S. forces in Iraq despite recent violence, and that plans are still on track to continue withdrawing troops through the end of July.
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
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This related article @ strategypage.com by, Austin Bay is excellent in explaining the complexities of
Iraqi Shia politics and how they’re going after Mookie
Here’s the link: http://www.strategypage.com/on_point/200804020578.aspx
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm