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General Plans New Round of Iraq Troop Cuts

Petraeus reveals second withdrawal likely after July

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 21, 2008 5:45 AM CST

(Newser) – General David Petraeus is preparing new plans to withdraw American troops from Iraq on top of previously announced reductions. The US commander in Iraq said that after more than 20,000 soldiers are pulled out by July, he will recommend further cutbacks later in the year, he told the Times of London. Pressed to give a number, he said only: "We have a range based on various situations."

The general had announced the July troop reduction, which will cut America's military presence in Iraq by a quarter, in a report to Washington last September. Petraeus also discussed the Iraq parliament's belated passage of a budget and an amnesty law, which he called "a big deal," and his concern about breakaway Shia factions which the military alleges are trained by Iran.

In this image released by the US Army, the top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus meets with Oscar winning actress and a U.N. goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie, right, and Paula Dobriansky, the... (Associated Press)

General David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, spoke to service members during an opening ceremony for a new USO facility at the U.S. airbase in Balad, Iraq, Thursday,... (Associated Press)

US President George W. Bush, right, meets with Gen. David H. Petraeus, left, Commander of the Mutli-National Force Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Bush is visiting this sprawling,... (Associated Press)

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General Plans New Round of Iraq Troop Cuts

Petraeus reveals second withdrawal likely after July

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Adm. Mullen: For Smooth Iraq Withdrawal, 'Now Is the Time'

Further delay of Iraq government's decision could jeopardize smooth transition

Gen. Petraeus Steps Down

He's off to CIA following troubling assassinations

US Willing to Leave 10K Troops in Iraq

But unless formal request is made, only 200 will remain in 2012

Biden Makes Surprise Stop in Iraq

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, Petraeus calls for unity

Petraeus for President: UK Journo

Disaffected voters look to military for credibility, inspiration: Toby Harnden

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General Plans New Round of Iraq Troop Cuts

Petraeus reveals second withdrawal likely after July

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • troop surge • David Petraeus • Iraq parliament • troop reduction

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Adm. Mullen: For Smooth Iraq Withdrawal, 'Now Is the Time'

Further delay of Iraq government's decision could jeopardize smooth transition

Gen. Petraeus Steps Down

He's off to CIA following troubling assassinations

US Willing to Leave 10K Troops in Iraq

But unless formal request is made, only 200 will remain in 2012

Biden Makes Surprise Stop in Iraq

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, Petraeus calls for unity

Petraeus for President: UK Journo

Disaffected voters look to military for credibility, inspiration: Toby Harnden

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?