lily
03-08-2007, 05:56 PM
Already talk of sending more troops than we were told and it seems Petraeus knows that we can't do this militarily, but can he convice Bush? (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17515918/)
U.S.: Military force alone won't solve Iraq woes
Petraeus says political talks must eventually include some militant groups
Updated: 8:41 a.m. ET March 8, 2007
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Military force alone is "not sufficient" to end the violence
in Iraq and political talks must eventually include some militant groups now
opposing the U.S.-backed government, the new commander of U.S. forces in
Iraq said Thursday.
"This is critical," U.S. Gen. David Petraeus said in his first news
conference since taking over command last month. He noted that such
political negotiations "will determine in the long run the success of this
effort."
American troops have stepped up efforts to clear and secure major highways
around the capital as part of the Baghdad security crackdown, which began
last month. The Pentagon has pledged 17,500 combat troops for the capital.
Petraeus said Thursday "it was very likely" that additional U.S. forces will
be sent to areas outside the capital where militant groups are regrouping,
including the Diyala province northeast of Baghdad.
The region has become an increasingly important staging ground for groups
including al-Qaida in Iraq. Meanwhile, many Sunni extremists apparently have
shifted to Diyala to escape the Baghdad clampdown.
Petraeus declined to predict the size of the expected Diyala reinforcements.
Where is the Mahdi Army?
One of Iraq's most expansive militias — the Mahdi Army of radical Shiite
cleric Muqtada al-Sadr — appears to have set aside its weapons under intense
government pressure to lend support to the Baghdad security plan.
Mahdi militiamen also have allowed Iraqi authorities to try to protect at
least 1 million pilgrims heading to Karbala, about 50 miles south of
Baghdad.
Many are making the traditional trek on foot for rituals beginning Friday to
mark the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, grandson of the
Prophet Muhammad. Hussein's death in a 7th-century battle near Karbala
cemented the schism between Sunnis and Shiites.
The processions have proved to be vulnerable targets, with attacks killing
more than 170 people this week.
Al-Sadr issued a statement urging pilgrims to join in chants denouncing the
attackers. "I ask almighty God to protect you from the sectarian sedition,"
said the message.
Petraeus denounced the "thugs with no soul" who have targeted Shiite
pilgrims. "We share the horror" of witnessing the suicide bombings and
shootings, he said.
He said U.S. forces are ready to help provide additional security for the
pilgrims if asked by Iraqi authorities.
U.S.: Military force alone won't solve Iraq woes
Petraeus says political talks must eventually include some militant groups
Updated: 8:41 a.m. ET March 8, 2007
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Military force alone is "not sufficient" to end the violence
in Iraq and political talks must eventually include some militant groups now
opposing the U.S.-backed government, the new commander of U.S. forces in
Iraq said Thursday.
"This is critical," U.S. Gen. David Petraeus said in his first news
conference since taking over command last month. He noted that such
political negotiations "will determine in the long run the success of this
effort."
American troops have stepped up efforts to clear and secure major highways
around the capital as part of the Baghdad security crackdown, which began
last month. The Pentagon has pledged 17,500 combat troops for the capital.
Petraeus said Thursday "it was very likely" that additional U.S. forces will
be sent to areas outside the capital where militant groups are regrouping,
including the Diyala province northeast of Baghdad.
The region has become an increasingly important staging ground for groups
including al-Qaida in Iraq. Meanwhile, many Sunni extremists apparently have
shifted to Diyala to escape the Baghdad clampdown.
Petraeus declined to predict the size of the expected Diyala reinforcements.
Where is the Mahdi Army?
One of Iraq's most expansive militias — the Mahdi Army of radical Shiite
cleric Muqtada al-Sadr — appears to have set aside its weapons under intense
government pressure to lend support to the Baghdad security plan.
Mahdi militiamen also have allowed Iraqi authorities to try to protect at
least 1 million pilgrims heading to Karbala, about 50 miles south of
Baghdad.
Many are making the traditional trek on foot for rituals beginning Friday to
mark the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, grandson of the
Prophet Muhammad. Hussein's death in a 7th-century battle near Karbala
cemented the schism between Sunnis and Shiites.
The processions have proved to be vulnerable targets, with attacks killing
more than 170 people this week.
Al-Sadr issued a statement urging pilgrims to join in chants denouncing the
attackers. "I ask almighty God to protect you from the sectarian sedition,"
said the message.
Petraeus denounced the "thugs with no soul" who have targeted Shiite
pilgrims. "We share the horror" of witnessing the suicide bombings and
shootings, he said.
He said U.S. forces are ready to help provide additional security for the
pilgrims if asked by Iraqi authorities.