Odierno: Violence may alter Iraq pullout

[The Straight Story]

Odierno: Violence may alter Iraq pullout

BAGHDAD, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. top commander in Iraq says increased violence could prevent combat troops from withdrawing from Baghdad as planned in August.

U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno said he thinks militant groups are planning a bloody campaign in the coming months as Iraq prepares for a national election Jan. 16, The Times of London reported Tuesday.

"It's clear that al-Qaida and other groups do not want the elections to occur," Odierno said in an interview with The Times. "What I think they will try to do is discourage people from voting by undermining the authority of the government of Iraq with attacks, so that people lose faith in the democratic process."

The Iraqi parliament so far hasn't passed a new election law, in part because lawmakers can't agree on whether ballots should list the names of the candidates or just the parties.

A possible delay would violate Iraq's constitution, Odierno said.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2009/10/20/Odierno-Violence-may-alter-Iraq-pullout/UPI-50341256061400/

[Oregone]

1. LOL. Who didn't see this coming?

Sometimes I wonder if Bush's SOFA deal was just to mind fuck the new president, who would be faced with times lines that they are being advised (by many parties) not to follow

[tabatha]

2. Well, I thought there were only 100 al-Qaida fighters left.

In 8 years, the Bush admin was unable to defeat al-Qaida?