Bush Announces Troop Reduction in Iraq

Bush Announces Troop Reduction in Iraq

By William Hinkle

BOSTON—As he sat behind his desk in the Oval Office Thursday night, President George W. Bush announced for the first time that he is bringing home troops from Iraq. Based on General David Petraeus’ recommendation, the president declared that the United States has “reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces” and that there will be a total reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas.

The president also said, however, that he expects the United States to continue its political, economic, and security engagement with Iraq beyond his presidency.

Bush also continued to maintain that “the success of a free Iraq is critical to American security.” Citing what he termed as success in Anbar province as a sign of things to come, the president said he believes that “as local politics change, so will national politics.”

In addition to the 5,700 troop reduction by Christmas, the president also said he expects the number of combat brigades in Iraq to decrease from 20 to 15 by July.

Despite the announced reductions, Bush made it clear that Americans should expect to maintain a presence in Iraq for however long it may take – “In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly. Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheikhs who helped lead the revolt against al Qaeda was murdered. In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: ‘We are determined to strike back and continue our work.’ And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States,” said the president.