Commanders are concerned that premature cutbacks might reverse security improvements WASHINGTON (AP) -- The first hint that President Bush might hit the pause button on troop cuts in Iraq was his offer to Gen. David Petraeus: "If you want to slow her down, fine." That was a little over two weeks ago. Then Bush invoked the top commander's name again, in his State of the Union speech, saying the general worries about troop cuts leading to "disintegration" of Iraq's defenses. It's now clear: The White House is reluctant to continue the cuts beyond July. Conditions in Iraq may yet improve enough this spring to convince Bush, but the situation looks just shaky enough to cast doubt on the prospect of deeper reductions. In fact, the administration is sending strong signals that reductions in Iraq will slow or stop altogether this summer, jeopardizing hopes of relieving strain on the Army and Marine Corps and reviving debate over an open-ended U.S. commitment in the country.
Ho Hum say the umercun peepl. More money for war? Why not? They know what they're doing, right?