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July 25, 2008 12:17:57 PM CDT

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Fear Rules Iraq, Briefers Tell Congress

Posted Jul 20, 07 7:20 AM CDT in US,  Politics,  World 

(Newser) – Iraq is gripped by widespread fear and is unlikely to fulfill political and security goals by the pivotal September assessment, US officials told lawmakers yesterday in a briefing from Baghdad. "One word I would use to sum up the atmosphere in Iraq is 'fear,' " said ambassador Ryan Crocker, adding that the country has a "considerable ways to go" toward political stability.

Gen. David Petraeus and his deputy also told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that progress is being made, but it's highly unlikely that 18 reform goals could be reached in the next 45 days. It will be at least until November before an accurate assessment can be made, they said.

Source Associated Press

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A young Iraqi covers his face as he runs through smoke in the predominantly Shiite Fidhiliyah area on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 10, 2007. Overnight clashes between U.S. troops and militiamen...   (Associated Press)
A top U.S army commander in Iraq General David H. Petraeus speaks during a change of command ceremony in the heavily fortified Green Zone area in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 10, 2007. Petraeus hosted...   (Associated Press)
Top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus speaks during an awarding ceremony for helicopter crews in Camp Anaconda, north of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, June 4, 2007. Three U.S. helicopter crews were...   (Associated Press)
Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq, speaks during a press availability with Vice President Dick Cheney and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, both not pictured, in Baghdad, Iraq...   (Associated Press)
Ryan Crocker testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Feb. 15, 2007 file photo, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. . (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)   (Associated Press)
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker speaks during a press availability with Vice President Dick Cheney and Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq, both not pictured, in Baghdad, Iraq...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq  • George W. Bush  • Iraq war  • Congress  • White House  • Baghdad  • David Petraeus  • US Army  • military  • Ryan Crocker  • benchmarks  • Petraeus Crocker plan


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