Pentagon cancels deployment of 3,500 U.S. troops to Iraq

[ProSense]

Pentagon cancels deployment of 3,500 U.S. troops to Iraq

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- More than 3,000 U.S. troops scheduled to deploy to Iraq won't go after all, as the military tries to draw down troop levels in the war-torn country, a Pentagon spokesman said Saturday.

The 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division will not replace a North Carolina National Guard unit already in Iraq, Lt. Col. Eric Butterbaugh told CNN. The 3,500-troop combat team, based in Fort Drum, New York, was to leave in January, he said.

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The National Guard unit is still on schedule to return home, which will speed up the drawdown of forces, he said.

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The United States plans to withdraw all its combat troops from Iraq by August, leaving 50,000 in advisory roles. Those advisers are to leave by the end of 2011.

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[Subdivisions]

1. Sounds like the Iraqis may yet get their country back from the

imperialist occupiers. At least I hope so anyway.

[mucifer]

2. mini steps.

So are they just gonna send these people to Afghanistan?

[Curtland1015]

3. It's a start...

I'm sure the families of those 3,500 will be glad to hear it. Hopefully the rest come home sooner rather than later.

[ProSense]

4. It's good news. n/t

[Chemisse]

5. Well here's some good news

And at least they are not going to Afghanistan instead.

Or are they?

[spanone]

6. and not a moment too soon