Iraqi leader forecasts U.S. troop reduction

[ECH1969]

In his first interview as the new Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki tied to reach out to the American people. He said he has a new priority — to get his own security forces ready soon, so American troops can go home. “We will do our best — all we can — in speeding up the process of sending the troops back to their families,” he said.

“Considering our determination to build our forces,” he says, “we will be finished by the end of 2007.” But U.S. troops in Iraq, he said, must stay for now — pulling them out, he said, would be too “destabilizing.”

Al-Maliki sees American forces playing a very different role 18 months from now. First, there would be fewer American troops. And, instead of fighting, they would be in a “supporting” role, mostly confined to their bases, where they would provide air support, logistics and training — and be a rapid reaction force.

In NBC News’ 45-minute meeting, al-Maliki said he will personally oversee the defense and interior ministries, and he showed his take-charge style, saying, “As the commander in chief of the armed forces, I will deal security myself.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12958324/

[bluestateguy]

1. Another bought-off Iraqi Prime Minister

I can almost see the tableau in my mind right now:

A bunch of fat white men from Halliburton, et. al. and Pentagon neo-cons shoving a piece of paper in front of the Prime Minister and saying "sign riiiight HERE". Then briefcases of cash are exchanged.