Bush to Shorten Iraq Tours, Halt Drawdowns

Combat tours shortened to one year

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 4:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Bush is expected to announce today that the drawdown of US troops in Iraq will be suspended—once forces reach their presurge level in July—because of a resurgence of fighting, reports the Washington Post. The decision, urged by Gen. David Petraeus, means the number of troops in Iraq could remain at their presurge levels until the end of the Bush presidency.

Bush is expected to endorse Petraeus' recommendation for a 45-day freeze on troop levels after July to reassess the situation. The president will also cut the length of future tours of duty in Iraq from 15 months to one year. The tour reductions are aimed at helping to alleviate some of Petraeus' concerns about the "strain and stress" troops face in repeat assignments in the combat zone.

Gen David Petraeus cups his ear to listen to questions while testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

A militiaman, holding a rocket propelled grenade in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Baghdad, Wednesday. (AP Photo)

A U.S. Army soldier on patrol in Mosul Iraq. The drawdown of troops from Iraq will be suspended but future combat tours will be shortened. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

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Bush to Shorten Iraq Tours, Halt Drawdowns

Combat tours shortened to one year

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Bush to Shorten Iraq Tours, Halt Drawdowns

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Robert Gates • David Petraeus • deployment • troop levels • Iraq war • troop drawdown • combat tours • Ryan C. Crocker • Richard A. Cody • Veterans for America

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Petraeus Sees No New Troop Buildup in Iraq

General wraps up two days of testimony before Congress

US Marines Want Out of Iraq

Commander calls for lead Afghan role instead

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On Iraq, Petraeus Has Bush's Ear

Close ties fuel fears that other commanders aren't heard

Combat Tours to Be Cut

Tours of duty to be cut back to 12 months; Congress to hear troop cut proposals

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