Odierno takes over for Petraeus in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, left, sings “Anchors Aweigh” while outgoing Multi-National Force—Iraq Commander Gen. David Petraeus, center, and incoming MNF-I Commander Gen. Ray Odierno stand at attention Tuesday in Baghdad.


Odierno takes over for Petraeus in Iraq
By Joseph Giordono, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, September 17, 2008

BAGHDAD — Gen. Raymond Odierno assumed command of the war effort in Iraq on Tuesday, saying that future troop withdrawals would be heavily influenced by a new U.S. administration and the long-term security pact with Iraq still under negotiation.

Odierno, who added his fourth star just hours before the ceremony in Baghdad’s Al Faw Palace, said of the past 18 months’ gains in Iraq, "where chaos reigned, hope prevails."

But, he warned, "our work here is far from done."

Odierno assumed command of Multi-National Force — Iraq from Gen. David Petraeus in the ceremony attended by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen and U.S Ambassador Ryan Crocker, among others.

Gates, who arrived in Baghdad on Monday, again said that the "end game" in Iraq was at hand.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57448



uhc comment: I'm guessing "fragile" is the new Iraq meme.

[global1]

1. Was This Scheduled To Happen Or Did Petraeus Say Or Do Something That.....

pissed off *Co?

[unhappycamper]

2. As a nation, we're pretty much tapped out.

We have around $3.5 trillion in unfunded liabilities as a result of two invasions and two occupations. We're pissing away $12 billion a month to continue the occupations. The 'defense' budget for 2009 is almost a trillion dollars. We've spent over $20 billion on two destroyers that are destined to become target barges.