Top US officer: We have until May to reconsider Iraq drawdown plan

AFP
Thursday, Nov 19th, 2009

BAGHDAD — The top US military officer in Iraq warned on Wednesday of attacks in the run-up to an expected January general election and said he would ask Washington to alter troop drawdown plans if necessary.

General Ray Odierno told reporters in Baghdad that although all American combat troops are due to pull out by August 2010, the plan could change between now and May if the security situation deteriorates.

The threat of political violence linked to the election is a major concern for the government and US forces in the wake of bloody attacks in Baghdad on August 19 and October 25 which killed more than 250 people.

The attacks were aimed at the heart of government, including truck bombings outside the finance, foreign and justice ministries, and punctured confidence in Iraq's domestic security forces.

"We believe that there will be an attempt to conduct more attacks between now and the election," said Odierno.

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