General Opposes Adding to U.S. Forces in Iraq, Emphasizing International Solutions for Region

[deminks]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/20/world/middleeast/20abizaid.html

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 — As the new secretary of defense, Robert M. Gates, takes stock of the war in Iraq this week, he will find Gen. John P. Abizaid, the senior commander in the Middle East, resistant to increasing the American fighting force there.

General Abizaid acknowledges that additional American forces, favored by some of President Bush’s top advisers, might provide a short-term boost in security. But he argues that foreign troops are a toxin bound to be rejected by Iraqis, and that expanding the number of American troops merely puts off the day when Iraqis are forced to take responsibility for their own security.

While American forces may be repositioned within Iraq to meet growing security challenges, especially in Baghdad, the answer is not solely military, and even the leading role in combat cannot long rest on American forces, General Abizaid says.

(snip)

But the generals are facing a different assessment from a growing number of civilian officials in the Bush administration, who see a sharp increase in troop strength as an effective means to stabilize Baghdad and as a dramatic initiative for the president to announce in January.

[ShockediSay]

1. Powell seemed to be saying the same thing Sunday

wasn't persuaded there was a clear mission, objective, doable

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Also the Joint Chiefs -- revolt of the Generals? nt

[ribrepin]

3. I wish I could believe that the Generals will revolt

but I don't think they will. Their training has always been to follow orders. The Generals will be the ones holding the bag in the end, while chimp and cheney breeze off into retirement.

[maddezmom]

4. Abizaid plans to leave post in March

By Peter Spiegel, Los Angeles Times | December 20, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Army General John P. Abizaid, commander of US forces in the Middle East, has submitted plans to retire and will leave his post in March, a step likely to make way for a change in military strategy at a time the Bush administration is seeking a new plan for Iraq.

Abizaid has been the primary architect of US military strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan since becoming head of the US Central Command more than three years ago.

He has strenuously resisted calls to increase troop levels to quell rising violence in Baghdad, arguing it would increase Iraqi dependence on Americans.

But a growing number of current and former officers have embraced the idea, some of whom have briefed President Bush as part of his month-long review of Iraq policy, and the White House is believed to be seriously considering the move.

more:http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/12/20/abizaid_plans_to_leave_post_in_march/

[Eugene]

5. LAT: Top general in Mideast to retire (Abizaid)

Top general in Mideast to retire
Abizaid opposed calls for more troops in Iraq. His departure could clear way for a
more aggressive strategy.
By Peter Spiegel, Times Staff Writer
December 20, 2006

WASHINGTON — Army Gen. John P. Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East,
has submitted plans to retire and will leave his post in March, a step likely to make way
for a change in military strategy at a time the Bush administration is seeking a new
plan for Iraq.

Abizaid has been the primary architect of U.S. military strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan
since becoming head of the U.S. Central Command more than three years ago. He has
strenuously resisted calls to increase troop levels to quell rising violence in Baghdad,
arguing it would increase Iraqi dependence on Americans.

But a growing number of current and former officers have embraced the idea, some
of whom have briefed President Bush as part of his monthlong review of Iraq policy, and
the White House is believed to be considering the move.

"If you're going to change the strategy, in fairness to (Abizaid), let him go," said a
former senior Pentagon official who has worked closely with the general. "He's given it
all he's got, in terms of personal sacrifice."

-snip-

Full article: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-na-generals20dec20,0,4569132.story

[MGKrebs]

6. Abizaid and all the Joint Chiefs say it's a bad idea,

but the House of Saud apparently holds the trump card.

[Javaman]

9. I guess he's going to "spend more time with his family" nt

[babylonsister]

7. So what happened to the blivet listening to the military? nt

[Roland99]

8. Why does Gen. Abizaid hate America? He wants to give therapy to terrorists!!

[Jawja]

10. Perhaps he is being pushed out

by new Pentagon leadership because he disagrees with the DictatorTot's plan to send more troops to an unnecessary death?

[Roland99]

11. DictatorTot...

:rofl:


I like that one!