Petraeus, Crocker tout successes of troop surge

Petraeus, Crocker tout successes of troop surge
By Klaus Marre
September 10, 2007

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. troops in the war-torn country, gave a largely positive assessment Monday of the much-debated troop surge but also said difficult tasks lie ahead.

Petraeus told lawmakers during the highly anticipated hearing, which was interrupted repeatedly by anti-war protesters, that he believes a significant number of U.S. troops could be withdrawn from Iraq by July of next year. This would return the number of U.S. soldiers to pre-surge levels. The general warned Congress that it would be premature to make plans beyond that time.

“In fact, our experience in Iraq has repeatedly shown that projecting too far into the future is not just difficult, it can be misleading and even hazardous,” Petraeus said.

He touted the successes of the surge, saying that its military objectives are “in large measure being met.” However, he added, “There are no easy answers or quick solutions,” and he said it will take time to allow Iraq to become a stable democracy.

Democrats expressed their doubts about the efficacy of the surge.

“The surge was intended to provide breathing space, breathing space for the Iraqis to bridge sectarian divides with real political compromises,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) said. “But while our troops are holding back the opposing team to let them make a touchdown, the Iraqis haven’t even picked up the ball.”

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/petraeus-crocker-tout-successes-of-troop-surge-2007-09-10.html

"Surges" are temporary, like a storm surge..surges subside..

This was never meant to "subside".

Good thing we have aggressive DLC Democrats in Congress to put a stop to this man's childish war criminal fantasies and evil spending ways