Iraq War News Updates -- July 30, 2009

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, with Gen. Ray Odierno, leaving Baghdad Wednesday for Irbil, Iraq. Getty Images

U.S. Brigade May Leave Iraq Early: Gates -- CBC News

A U.S. combat brigade may withdraw from Iraq ahead of schedule because of a sustained drop in violence in the country, says U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

"I think there's at least some chance for a modest acceleration," Gates said Wednesday after concluding a two-day visit to Iraq.

The early withdrawal of a heavy fighting force following Iraq's elections in January is under consideration because the situation is "better than expected" following the June 30 handover of control of Iraqi cities, Gates told reporters.

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More News On Iraq

US could speed up Iraq pull-out -- BBC
Gates hints at faster Iraqi pullout if leaders curb feuds -- AFP
Gates Speaks of Quicker Troop Decrease in Iraq -- Washington Post
Gates Says Iraq Drawdown May Accelerate Moderately -- U.S. Department of Defense
Gates Encouraged by Iraqi Accomplishments, Goals -- U.S. Department of Defense
Gates Presses Kurds to Settle Iraq Disputes -- Wall Street Journal
Gates Spends Final Day in Iraq Meeting Kurds -- Voice of America
Iraq to Close Iranian Exiles' Camp -- Wall Street Journal
Iraq: 6 Iranian exiles killed in clashes at camp -- AP
Iran exiles 'killed in Iraq raid' -- BBC
Iraq says raid on militant group's camp wasn't Iran's idea -- L.A. Times
Iraqi Raid Poses Problem for U.S. -- Washington Post
Seven killed in Iraq suicide attack on police -- AFP
Deadly bomb at Iraq party office -- BBC
Britain ends military operations in Iraq -- Deutsche Welle
Iraq hostages Alan McMenemy and Alec Maclachlan feared murdered -- Times Online
Iraq: Ruling parties keep power in Kurdish vote -- AP
Barzani re-elected as Iraqi Kurd president -- AFP
Barzani vows to act on Arab-Kurd disputes after re-election -- AFP
Training Takes Center Stage in Iraq -- U.S. Department Of Defense
Iraq in throes of environmental catastrophe, experts say -- L.A. Times
The Irrelevance of Iraq -- The Atlantic
Timeline: Iraq 2003-2009 -- The Guardian
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,329 -- Yahoo News/AP