A quick read of comments by Representative John McHugh (R-New York) following a White House conversation with Obama, Biden, defense secretary Gates, and joint chiefs head Mullen, suggests internal politicking, with potentially partisan implications, over the plan to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq by August 2010. McHugh's statements that "[the president] assured me that he will revisit his plan if the situation on the ground deteriorates and violence increases," and that "our commanders must have the flexibility they need in order to respond to ... challenges" and that "the security situation in Iraq is fragile" are all indications of strong efforts among some to sustain the possibility of changes to the current plan in public discourse.
- Related reading:
- U.S. Troop Withdrawal Plans Multiply
- Guide to the Iraq War
- Iraq War Results and Statistics (Deborah White)
Image: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images. A Marine places dog tags on the rifle of a fallen comrade during a memorial service February 6, 2009 at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Regimental Combat Team 1 held a memorial service to honor Marines who were killed in action during their 13-month deployment to al Anbar, Iraq.
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