Bush's Troop Buildup Getting Bigger, Costlier And May Last Longer

Bush's troop buildup getting bigger, costlier and may last longer

The Associated Press
Published: March 8, 2007

WASHINGTON: U.S. President George W. Bush's troop buildup in Baghdad apparently will be bigger and more costly — and perhaps will last longer — than it seemed when he unveiled the plan in January as the centerpiece of a new Iraq strategy.

U.S. officials say it is too early to tell whether the troop reinforcements will succeed in containing the sectarian and insurgent violence, but it looks as though the Pentagon is preparing for an expanded commitment — assuming that by summer there are solid signs that the extra effort is yielding significant results.

The Bush plan called for sending 21,500 extra U.S. combat troops to Iraq — mainly to Baghdad — with the last of five brigades arriving by June. The estimated price tag was $5.6 billion (€4.3 billion). Officials have refused to say exactly how long it would last, but Defense Secretary Robert Gates had suggested that it could be over by fall.

In recent days, a different picture has emerged.

The total number of troops required for the plan, while still uncertain, is climbing. When Bush announced the boost of 21,500 combat troops, the Pentagon said still others would be required to go with them in support roles. Its initial estimate of 2,400 support troops has doubled and may go higher still.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/09/america/NA-GEN-US-Iraq-Bigger-Buildup.php



MARCH 12

Encampment
to
STOP the WAR

Late breaking news: The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on funding for the Iraq war Wed., March 14. Be at the Encampment to confront the war makers!!

Congress is about to vote on Bush's request for another $245 billion to continue the war against the people of Iraq.

Congress has the Constitutional authority and the moral obligation to stop the war. They cannot hide behind "non-binding resolutions" and press conferences where they criticize the President while promising to continue to fund the war.

The politicians will not stop the war unless we force them to stop it.

We are calling on everyone who can to join us in Washington for an Encampment to Stop the War, beginning on March 12.

http://www.troopsoutnow.org/

It's the best way to get these monsters out