US set to reduce troops outside Najaf

[ze_dscherman]

The US military today announced plans to cut the size of the force it has built up outside the holy city of Najaf.
The development comes amid signs of progress in talks to end the tense standoff with radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Colonel Dana Pittard, commander of the 2,500-strong 3rd Brigade Task Force outside Najaf - where Mr Sadr is holed up with hundreds of his Mahdi Army fighters - said the force would be withdrawn over the coming days, and would be replaced by around 2,000 soldiers from the 1st Armoured Division.

The development is the latest sign that the US commanders, who are eager to avoid a costly battle in the city, could be preparing to back away from their pledge to "kill or capture" Mr Sadr.

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1195093,00.html

[Media_Lies_Daily]

1. On one hand we have the posturing of Bremer demanding that...

...the U. S. military out down the revolt, and on the other hand we have the U. S. military announcing plans to cut the size of their forces outside Najaf.

I guess Bremer only THINKS he is in charge...LOL!!!

[hadrons]

2. looks like Sadr's stature among Iraqis will rise ....

he stood up to the U.S. and they backed down (if things don't suddenly ... which is likely to happen in Iraq)

great going again Dumbya

[Iceburg]

3. Reduction Hah! Its the 1300 Spanish troops leaving Najaf

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/110/world/U_S_administrator_says_Iraq_re:.shtml

<snip>
Al-Sadr on Sunday called a two-day cease-fire to mark the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Muhammad. He also ordered a halt in all attacks on Spanish troops based in Najaf after Spain's prime minister decided to withdraw his country's forces from the country as soon as possible.

Al-Sadr's office called on Iraqis to ''maintain the safety of the Spanish forces until their return home'' and urged ''the governments of the other armies taking part in Iraq's occupation to follow the Spanish government's example.''

</snip>
more ...

Zapatero For Prez!

[BostonTeaParty04]

4. Which mathematically means... we are bringing MORE us troops there!

2500 - 1300 = 1200, so if we want 2000 troops, 800 more of our guys are on their way!!!

[jogi1969]

5. do these idiots realy

belive that shuffling troops around like a three-card monty game
will confuse Al Sadar?

amazing