 The top US general in Iraq yesterday predicted that Iraqi forces would be able to take over security in the country with "very little coalition support" within a year to 18 months. General George Casey did not say anything specific about parallel withdrawals of US troops. Instead, he said American-led coalition forces would pull back into large bases & provide support before leaving. Gen Casey's predictions earlier in the summer that the US military presence could be reduced from about 130,000 to 100,000 by the end of the year were proved overly optimistic by a surge in sectarian killing. Instead a combat brigade based in Mosul had its tour extended and was sent to Baghdad to help Iraqi troops keep a lid on the bloodshed there, & the overall American forces level rose to 138,000. US officials pointed optimistically to statistics suggesting that the military focus on the capital had helped to curb sectarian killings between Sunni & Shia groups, though in the past few days the body...
http://www.guardian.co.uk
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Editor - 22:58:00 08-30-06
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 Growing fears over North Korea nuclear test |
| International concerns about a possible North Korean nuclear test increased today with reports that Kim Jong-il may have crossed the border into China to explain his military provocations to uneasy allies in Be.. full News |
Editor - 22:34:00 08-30-06
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| Taliban Militants Attack Southern Afghanistan Town |
| Taliban militants attacked a southern Afghan town Thursday, sparking intense fighting with Afghan troops, the defense ministry said. The militants used mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns .. full News |
Editor - 22:31:00 08-30-06
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| Series of 13 Bombs Explode in Thailand |
| At least 13 bombs exploded almost simultaneously Thursday at commercial banks in southern Thailand, where Muslim insurgents have waged a bloody campaign for autonomy, police said. Initial reports said that seve.. full News |
Editor - 22:16:00 08-30-06
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| Southern Kenya's Masai tribe, lions locked in battle |
| A handful of sun-bleached white bones and the powerful stench of rotting flesh are all that remain of three lions.Partimo Ole Mereru Shoop pushes back the acacia bushes that cover the savanna around his simple .. full News |
Editor - 22:11:00 08-30-06
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| Australia, UN Hunt East Timor Rebel Leader After Jail Break |
| Australian-led peacekeepers and United Nations police are hunting for 57 escaped prisoners in East Timor, including rebel leader Major Alfredo Reinado, after a breakout that may further destabilize the Pacific .. full News |
Editor - 21:58:00 08-30-06
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| post The Good, The Bad and The Ugly |
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