Bush Details US Troop Iraq Withdrawal Plan
The American President, George W. Bush, has publically given his support to a limited pull-back of US soldiers from Iraq. In a speech made on US television, the President affirmed that 5,700 service personnel would be withdrawn by year-end, while thousands more will follow by July next year. In detailing this plan, Mr Bush stated he was acting on advice provided by General David Patraeus, the head of Iraqi-based US forces, and who gave a testimony to US Congress several days ago.
Once the withdrawal is complete, the number of troops left in Iraq will be roughly at the level it was at prior to the Bush-ordered "surge" earlier in 2007.
Among Democrats, the consequent sentiment was one of anger, with one figure in particular describing the President's actions as shameful.
President Bush's speech was televised during the primetime period, and, overall, pledged to withdraw approximately 30,000 troops by July 2008, but based on specific conditions being attained. "The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home", he stated.
Mr Bush contested that pulling back the troop deployment bit-by-bit was an effective compromise - blending the views of those advocating imminent withdrawal, and those who maintain US security could still benefit from continued military action. "[The strategy] makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together", he added.
Speaking directly to those critical of the War on Iraq, he stated: "It is never too late to deal a blow to al-Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win."
Among the Democratic responses, Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, described the speech as "just more of the same", while Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, related the plan to a "10-year occupation of Iraq". Additionally, Hillary Clinton, the wife of ex-US President Bill Clinton, stated it was "simply too little, too late."
Further comment was provided by Mr Reed, who added: "Once again, the president failed to provide either a plan to successfully end the war or a convincing rationale to continue it."
However, several Republicans viewed as favourable the fact that Mr Bush had taken Gen. Patraeus recommendations into account.
As per Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader: "I think we've turned the corner in Iraq and are heading into a new place."
And, as per Representative Jim Gerlach: "It's time Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democrat leader Reid halt their daily, partisan attacks."
Armed Forces International's US Correspondent
Recent related News Items:
Congress Dismiss General Patraeus' Iraq Testimony
General Patraeus' US Troops in Iraq Report Imminent
