31 July 2008

Bush Hails Improving Security Conditions in Iraq

Further troop reductions may be possible, says White House

President Bush at the White House July 31

By David I. McKeeby
Staff Writer

Washington -- President Bush welcomed Iraq’s continued security gains and political progress, which he said could lead to further troop reductions during his final six months in office.

“Violence is down to its lowest level since the spring of 2004,” Bush said at the White House July 31.  While “progress is still reversible,” he cautioned, Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and the coalition commander, U.S. Army General David Petraeus, report that “there now appears to be a degree of durability in gains.”

Bush’s remarks follow the July 10 departure of the last of five U.S. Army brigades and three Marine units deployed as part of the surge of approximately 40,000 U.S. troops to stem militant violence.  Remaining coalition forces are witnessing the third consecutive month of lower violence levels holding steady, Bush said, and 110 coalition-trained Iraqi combat battalions are fully operational and actively working to safeguard their country.

Iraqi security forces launched successful operations against militant strongholds in Basra, Amarah and Sadr City earlier in the year, Bush said.  And 50,000 coalition-backed Iraqi troops are moving into Diyala province for a new offensive to confront remaining foreign fighters from al-Qaida in Iraq. 

“This operation is Iraqi-led; our forces are playing a supporting role,” Bush said.  “And in the months ahead, the Iraqis will continue taking the lead in more military operations across the country.”

With the coalition’s U.N. mandate set to expire at the end of the year, Bush also cited progress in U.S.-Iraqi negotiations to redefine the future of their relationship through a Strategic Framework Agreement outlining cooperation on political, economic and security issues, as well as a Status of Forces Agreement setting the terms for any remaining U.S. forces in the country.           

Improving security also has led to political progress for Iraq’s fledgling democratic government, Bush said.  Its Council of Representatives has passed several key reforms in recent months and is preparing for upcoming provincial elections. These positive developments were recognized by several European leaders during Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s recent visit to that continent.

The United States will continue to “build on its success,” Bush said, announcing a reduction in the U.S. Army’s extended 15-month tours instituted as part of America’s commitment to Iraq. The tours of duty will return to the standard 12-month rotation. 

Looking ahead to Petraeus’ next recommendation on troop levels in mid-September, Bush said he expects to make “further reductions in our combat forces as conditions permit.”

Administration and military officials have indicated that Bush could withdraw up to 10,000 troops before he leaves office in January 2009, but other experts predict that Petraeus may recommend a more gradual reduction to help the Iraqi government ensure it has the security it needs.

While Iraq is on the mend and al-Qaida is on the run, Bush also cautioned on security challenges still facing the international community. 

Bush’s remarks are available on America.gov.