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Gates Eyes Deeper Troop Cuts

Defense Sec hopes to have US Iraq forces down to 100,000 by end of 2008

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 15, 2007 7:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – On the heels of President Bush's announcement of limited drawbacks in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed confidence yesterday that a bigger pullout would be possible. Gates said yesterday that he hopes for more cuts than Bush and Gen. David Petraeus were willing to commit to, bringing troop levels down to 100,000 by the end of 2008, the Washington Post reports.

The same day, Gates said on PBS' "News Hour With Jim Lehrer" that he wants "a significantly smaller American presence in Iraq" by the end of the Bush administration, and spoke of reducing 20 brigades to 10. The comments, which an aide stressed were his "personal views," demonstrate the continuing rift within the White House over the size of the US troop presence in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates answers a question during a Pentagon briefing, Friday, Sept. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) (Associated Press)

President Bush, second from left, waves as he leaves the Pentagon, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, with, from left, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman... (Associated Press)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, listens as President Bush makes a statement to reporters at Al-Asad Airbase in Anbar province, Iraq, Monday, Sept. 3, 2007. The president made an unannounced visit... (Associated Press)

President Bush, center, walks with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, after he made a statement to reporters at Al-Asad Airbase in Anbar province, Iraq, Monday,... (Associated Press)

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Gates Eyes Deeper Troop Cuts

Defense Sec hopes to have US Iraq forces down to 100,000 by end of 2008

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Combat Tours to Be Cut

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

Gates Predicts Steady Iraq Withdrawals

If security gains hold, defense chief predicts 100K troops by Jan '09

Britain Coordinated Troop Cuts With the US

Defense heads say they agreed southern Iraq was secure enough

Dems Shift Strategy to Speed Troop Pullout

Plan would require troops to stay at home as long as last tour before redeploying.

Iraq War Renamed 'Operation New Dawn'

'Operation Iraqi Freedom' history as most troops head home

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Gates Eyes Deeper Troop Cuts

Defense Sec hopes to have US Iraq forces down to 100,000 by end of 2008

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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Iraq • Bush administration • Robert Gates • David Petraeus • troop withdrawal • pullout

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Combat Tours to Be Cut

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

Gates Predicts Steady Iraq Withdrawals

If security gains hold, defense chief predicts 100K troops by Jan '09

Britain Coordinated Troop Cuts With the US

Defense heads say they agreed southern Iraq was secure enough

Dems Shift Strategy to Speed Troop Pullout

Plan would require troops to stay at home as long as last tour before redeploying.

Iraq War Renamed 'Operation New Dawn'

'Operation Iraqi Freedom' history as most troops head home

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