Wrapping Up Iraq In 18 Months (starting . . . now!)

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start the 18 month clock . . . again?

Iraqi prime minister says his forces capable of taking control of security in 18 months

May 24, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Wednesday that Iraqi forces are capable of taking control of security in all of Iraq within 18 months, but still need more recruits, training and equipment.

After meeting with Denmark's prime minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, al-Maliki issued a statement saying: ''Our forces are capable of taking over the security in all Iraqi provinces within a year and a half.''

http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=WORLD&ID=564740203433297303

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Iraqi PM-designate: U.S. could start pullout in 18 months

Monday, April 24, 2006

The Shiite Muslim politician tapped as Iraq's prime minister said Monday that he thinks U.S. troops could begin withdrawing in 18 months or less if his country's security forces get up to speed.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/04/24/iraq.almaliki/index.html
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Jan 30, 2005

Iraq won't need foreign troops in 18 months: interior minister

Flush with the successful voting in Sunday's elections, Iraq's interim interior minister said US and British troops would not be needed anymore in as soon as 18 months from now.

"I think we will not need the foreign forces in this country within 18 months," interim interior minister Falah al-Nakib told Britain's Channel 4 television.
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Feb. 3, 2005

Iraq Likely to Assume Full Security Role
Within 18 Months

Iraq's security forces are expected to be ready to assume full responsibility for their country's security in about 18 months, Iraq's minister of the interior told Pentagon reporters today via teleconference from Baghdad.
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March 28, 2005

Leader: Army May Secure Iraq in 18 Months

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq's outgoing interior minister predicted Monday that his country's emerging police and army may be capable of securing the nation in 18 months, saying his officers are beginning to take over from coalition forces. Insurgents, meanwhile, targeted Shiite pilgrims, setting off two blasts that killed at least three people.

http://www.wjla.com/headlines/0305/216618.html
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July 28, 2005

The top U.S. military leader in Iraq said Wednesday there could be substantial withdrawals of some of the 135,000 U.S. troops in the country as early as next spring.

Iraqi leaders have also said consistently that U.S. troops should leave as soon as the U.S.-trained Iraqi army is ready to fight the insurgency and defend the country, but have estimated that it could take from 18 months to five years.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/27/AR2005072700431_pf.html
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24-8-2005

The US is expected to pull significant numbers of troops out of Iraq in the next 12 months in spite of the continuing violence, according to the general responsible for near-term planning in the country.

Maj Gen Douglas Lute, director of operations at US Central Command, yesterday said the reductions were part of a push by Gen John Abizaid, commander of all US troops in the region, to put the burden of defending Iraq on Iraqi forces.

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/9f81fef2-14de-11da-9df1-00000e2511c8.html



my 2 cents -- Trampling American Empire (5-24-2006)

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1. why not now?

[Rex]

2. We ain't ever leaving Iraq.

Our U.S. Citadel will be able to repel all forces! 18 months, 18 years. If you add Gulf War I to this and sanctions under Clinton, we've been at war with Iraq for 15 years! :(