Gen David Petraeus Urges Suspension of Troop Withdrawal Plans

In order to protect the important gains that have been made since last September top U.S. military leader in Iraq Gen David Petraeus has urged Congress to refrain from withdrawing troops after July.

Petraeus and ambassador Ryan Crocker are in Washington testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Both Petraeus and Crocker have said that while there have been significant improvements a withdrawal of troops could reverse all those gains.

Petraeus warned that a withdrawal could lead to a “resurgence of al-Qaeda Iraq” and increase in sectarian violence.

Democrat Carl Levin, chairman of the committee, opened the hearing with a warning that a continued presence in Iraq would only foster an attitude of dependency.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain disagreed noting,  “Our allies, Arab countries, the UN and the Iraqis themselves will not step up to their responsibilities if we recklessly retreat.”

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