AP: Casey Favors Smaller Troop Boost in Iraq

[Eugene]

Casey Favors Smaller Troop Boost in Iraq

By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer

Thursday, February 1, 2007

(02-01) 09:33 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --

The top U.S. commander in Iraq told a Senate panel Thursday that improving security
in Baghdad would take fewer than half as many extra troops as President Bush has chosen
to commit.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination to be Army chief
of staff, Gen. George Casey said he had asked for two additional Army brigades, based on
recommendations of his subordinate commanders. Bush announced Jan. 10 that he would
send five extra brigades as part of a buildup that would total 21,500 soldiers and Marines.

Asked by Sen. John Warner, R-Va., why he had not requested the full five extra brigades
that Bush is sending, Casey said, "I did not want to bring one more American soldier
into Iraq than was necessary to accomplish the mission."

With many in Congress opposing or skeptical of Bush's troop buildup, Casey did not say he
opposed the president's decision. He said the full complement of five brigades would give
U.S. commanders in Iraq additional, useful flexibility.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/02/01/national/w082231S95.DTL

[ShortnFiery]

1. IMO, he's as smarmy as they come.

A smaller, gentler boost of a SHOOTING GALLERY with our troops serving as The Ducks. :grr:

[uppityperson]

2. Which mission, Gen Casey?