BUSH DECLARES PROGRESS IN IRAQ SUCCESSFUL

BUSH DECLARES PROGRESS IN IRAQ SUCCESSFUL
By Andrew Benjamin




BOSTON— Speaking from the Oval Office Tuesday night President Bush gave a televised speech announcing dates to decrease troops in Iraq. The president also commented on the troop surge, proclaiming the “troop surge is working.”

The president cited Anbar province as the best example of progress in Iraq, echoing much of the same findings as General David Petraeus’ September report on the current situation in Iraq.

“I sent an additional 4,000 Marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheiks, Iraqi forces, and Coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of Ramadi and other population centers,” the president said.

“Today, a city where al Qaeda once planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding.”

Bush also revealed dates to start decreasing American troop levels in Iraq. These dates, which the president supported, were recommended by Petraeus

“It will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas,” the president stated.

“And he [Petraeus] expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.”

Bush, however, made clear that troop withdrawal depends on the success in Iraq.

“The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home,” the president declared.

The president also announced there would be a future report from Petraeus and United States Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker delivered to Congress next March.