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US optimistic about Iraq troop withdrawal timetable
26 February 2010
US officials remain optimistic about plans to draw down forces from Iraq as the country heads into a national election planned for 7 March, with the Pentagon awaiting the resulting government's decision on US military support after 2011.
"One of the first decisions that the new government will have to make when they come into place is: 'How much support will we need? Do we need any support or not?' And that will be one of the key issues we'll have to work with them," General Ray Odierno, commander of US Forces – Iraq, told reporters on 22 February.
Thus far there have been no requests from the current Iraqi government for US forces to remain beyond the end of 2011. Current force levels are at 96,000; Gen Odierno expects that number to decline by around 50 per cent by September.
The sort of force structure Iraq might request, if it does so at all, will be partly based on its equipment needs, Gen Odierno explained. "Iraq continues to buy a significant amount of military materiel from the US. These will go beyond 2011 so there will be some requirement for us to continue to co-ordinate and help them bring those systems on board," he said.
Meanwhile, Gen Odierno and US Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill have both said troop drawdowns from Iraq are continuing as planned despite the possibility of election boycotts or difficulties formulating a government after the election.
Copyright © IHS (Global) Limited, 2010
US optimistic about Iraq troop withdrawal timetable
26 February 2010
US officials remain optimistic about plans to draw down forces from Iraq as the country heads into a national election planned for 7 March, with the Pentagon awaiting the resulting government's decision on US military support after 2011.
"One of the first decisions that the new government will have to make when they come into place is: 'How much support will we need? Do we need any support or not?' And that will be one of the key issues we'll have to work with them," General Ray Odierno, commander of US Forces – Iraq, told reporters on 22 February.
Thus far there have been no requests from the current Iraqi government for US forces to remain beyond the end of 2011. Current force levels are at 96,000; Gen Odierno expects that number to decline by around 50 per cent by September.
The sort of force structure Iraq might request, if it does so at all, will be partly based on its equipment needs, Gen Odierno explained. "Iraq continues to buy a significant amount of military materiel from the US. These will go beyond 2011 so there will be some requirement for us to continue to co-ordinate and help them bring those systems on board," he said.
Meanwhile, Gen Odierno and US Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill have both said troop drawdowns from Iraq are continuing as planned despite the possibility of election boycotts or difficulties formulating a government after the election.
Copyright © IHS (Global) Limited, 2010
US optimistic about Iraq troop withdrawal timetable