US speeds Iraq withdrawal; 4,000 more headed home

[ProSense]

Source: Associated Press


WASHINGTON – The United States is speeding up its military withdrawal from Iraq, sending 4,000 more troops home next month, the top American commander there said Wednesday.

The reduced number of forces in Iraq — from 124,000 to 120,000 by the end of October — marks the latest U.S. step in winding down the six-year war.

During testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. Ray Odierno called for "strategic patience" during the withdrawal and the transition of responsibilities to Iraq's security forces. "Iraq is making steady progress, but has a long way to go," he said.

The committee's top Republican, Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, said he worried that approaching deadlines for pulling back may be too ambitious.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090930/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_us_iraq