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Gates: Troops May Leave Iraq Early

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 29, 2009 8:37 AM CDT

(AP) – The United States is considering speeding up its withdrawal from Iraq because of the sustained drop in violence there, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said today, following discussions with his top commanders in the war. "I think there's at least some chance of a modest acceleration," this year, Gates said, calling the situation "better than expected."

It was the first suggestion that Obama might rethink his decision to leave a heavy fighting force in Iraq, despite his opposition of the war. Perhaps one of the current 14 combat units could come home early, Gates said, a cut of roughly 5,000 people. But continued bad blood between Iraq's central government and the self-ruled Kurdish region in the north represents the major wild card to a faster pullout.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, walks to his plane with the top US commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno as he prepares to depart Baghdad to Irbil, in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Jim Watson, Pool)

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, right, shakes hands with the top US commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, left, upon his arrival in Baghdad, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Jim Watson,Pool)

Robert Gates speaks to reporters during a joint news conference with Iraq's Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi (not seen) in Baghdad, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Loay Hameed)

Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki, left, shakes hands with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, during his visit to Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Iraqi Government)

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With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

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Biden Tells Iraqis to Mend Fences —Like, Now

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As US Leaves Iraq, It Eyes a Beefier Gulf Presence

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Robert Gates • Kurdistan • Kurds • Iraq exit strategy • troop drawdown

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

Turkey Kills 35 Civilians in Attempted Hit on Rebels

Kurdish officials claim the dead were actually teen cigarette smugglers

Biden Tells Iraqis to Mend Fences —Like, Now

VP urges Maliki to strengthen coalition with Kurds, Sunnis

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

As US Leaves Iraq, It Eyes a Beefier Gulf Presence

US military looking to increase defense ties with states around region

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Newser By Users

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