General George Casey, the top U.S. Commander in Iraq, told Congress Thursday that conditions may be right for the U.S. to begin a 'substantial pullout' of troops from Iraq next spring or summer. The key will be how elections in Iraq this October and December go.
The October 15 vote will be on the proposed Iraqi constitution while December national elections will help determine the makeup and stability of the government.
'The next 75 days are going to be critical for what happens,' Casey told the Senate Armed Services Committee. He also warned that the next 75 days will be very violent.
'Success in Iraq will require patience and will,' Casey said. 'To be sure the next couple of months are going to be tough.'
Casey addressed the Senate Armed Services Committee along with General John Abizaid. Also in attendance at the meeting were Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Gen. Richard B. Myers, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General Casey assured the committee that the insurgents would not win their battle against American troops and the new U.S.-backed Iraqi government. He was hopeful that by this December, there will 100,000 Iraqi security troops available. As a result, the United States will only need 2,000 additional troops. During last January's election, 12,000 additional American soldiers were needed to maintain order.
While Casey said the possible American pullout was contingent on the availability and competence of Iraqi security forces, he would not commit to the Iraqis being ready at any particular time.
'I think right now we're in a period of a little greater uncertainty than when I was asked that question back in July and March,' Casey admitted.
