Just In Time To Save McCain's Ass: Petraeus to cut troops by Fall (NOVEMBER)

[berni_mccoy]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080523/ap_on_go_co/petraeus_confirmation;_ylt=Ak8lHxtC27zF.ve3JrdhwyWs0NUE

WASHINGTON - Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday he is likely to recommend further troop reductions in Iraq but won't promise more details until fall — timing that plunges the four-star Army general into the heart of this year's presidential elections.

The fall assessment would come at a critical time in both American and Iraqi politics. U.S. voters likely will be deciding between a GOP candidate committed to keeping troops in Iraq as long as Petraeus and other ground commanders say is necessary, and a Democratic challenger who supports the immediate withdrawal of forces.

At the same time, Iraq will be headed into its much-anticipated provincial elections, which U.S. officials have described as a crucial step in building national reconciliation by increasing participation by the Sunni minority.