Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Concerns Over U.S. Withdrawal From Iraq Raised By Senators

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrive at the Hart Senate Building before testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Nov.15, 2011. DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo

Panetta And Senators Clash Over Iraq -- CNN

Deep disagreements surfaced on Capitol Hill Tuesday over whether the United States has moved too quickly to withdraw troops from Iraq.

The Obama administration will withdraw all U.S. military personnel by the end of the year, after negotiations with Iraq broke down last month over leaving behind a small force for training and security. Some 30,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq now, and only a small number of U.S. military will remain behind, attached to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Read more ....

More News On Concerns Over The U.S. Withdrawal From Iraq

GOP senators rip Iraq pullout plan -- Washington Times
Pentagon leaders defend withdrawal of US from Iraq -- AP
Defense chief clashes with senators over Iraq -- Reuters
Panetta defends U.S. decision to break off talks with Iraq -- L.A. Times
Panetta: Iraq Ready to Fight Extremism -- Bloomberg

My Comment: I saw clips of this exchange, and it is clear that many feel frustrated over what has happened with Iraq. I also share in this frustration .... but I am also happy that we are leaving. As to what is my take on what will happen in Iraq .... if the Iraqis can get there oil industry up to full production, and political disagreements are kept behind closed doors .... Iraq has a chance for some long term stability.

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