Save 30% today

The Times and Sunday Times for less

Navigation - link to other main sections from = here

Skip=20 Navigation

Where am I?

Home

News World News Iraq = News

MY=20 PROFILE SHOP JOBS PROPERTY CLASSIFIEDS

From Times Online

April 9, 2009

General Ray Odierno: we may miss Iraq deadline to = halt=20 al-Qaeda terror

Deborah Haynes in Baghdad

The activities of al-Qaeda in two of Iraq=92s most troubled cities = could keep=20 US combat troops engaged beyond the June 30 deadline for their = withdrawal, the=20 top US commander in the country has warned.

US troop numbers in Mosul and Baqubah, in the north of the country, = could=20 rise rather than fall over the next year if necessary, General Ray = Odierno told=20 The Times in his first interview with a British newspaper since = taking=20 over from General David Petraeus in September.

He said that a joint assessment would be conducted with the Iraqi = authorities=20 in the coming weeks before a decision is made.

Combat troops are due to leave all Iraqi cities by the end of June. = Any delay=20 would be a potential setback for President Obama, who has pledged to = withdraw=20 all combat forces from Iraq by August 2010 as he switches his focus to=20 Afghanistan.

The ultimate decision on keeping or withdrawing troops would be taken = by=20 Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, handing him a big dilemma, = given the=20 desire by most Iraqis for the US military to leave the country.

Tens of thousands of supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, the antiAmerican = Shia=20 cleric, marched through Baghdad yesterday, the sixth anniversary of the = fall of=20 the capital, to demand the withdrawal of US forces.

General Odierno, 54, said that he was also concerned about the risk = of=20 renewed conflict between Arabs and Kurds in northern Iraq, where = tensions are=20 rising over the ownership of territory. He also cited the =93very = dangerous=94=20 threat posed by Iranian-funded militants, who appear to be styling = themselves on=20 Lebanon=92s Hezbollah.

General Odierno, a bald, imposing 6ft 5in, was speaking as he sat = outside the=20 back of the Saddam-era mansion that he calls home, next to a man-made = lake on a=20 military base in Baghdad. Touching on a range of issues, he said that he = was not=20 worried by a recent spate of deadly bombings against Shia targets blamed = on=20 al-Qaeda. He said they were designed to coincide with key dates such as = the=20 anniversary of Baghdad=92s fall and rejected the idea that they = signalled a fresh=20 round of sectarian war.

The general has long experience of Iraq: he arrived in April 2003, = after the=20 invasion, and led the US division that was ultimately responsible for = capturing=20 Saddam Hussein; he was No 2 to General Petraeus in 2007; and is now on = his third=20 tour in charge of the American withdrawal.

Under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad, all 140,000 US = troops must=20 be out by the end of 2011.

Despite the rise in the number of attacks, overall violence is still = far=20 below levels of two years ago when the surge of an extra 30,000 US = forces =96 a=20 strategy created and implemented by General Odierno and his boss, = General=20 Petraeus =96 was just getting started. That risk paid off, subduing a = civil war=20 that was killing thousands of Iraqi civilians and scores of American = soldiers=20 every month.

General Odierno said that his darkest days in Iraq were when he was = in charge=20 of day-to-day combat operations in 2007. During that 15-month tour he = signed=20 hundreds of letters of condolence to the parents of service-men and = women from=20 the US, Britain and other coalition countries. =93I always felt [the = surge] would=20 [succeed] but those were the times when you were wondering whether this = will=20 work or not,=94 he said.

Page 1 of 2 =

Next=20 Page

As an American I find it terribly = frustrating=20 that if I want to find honest reporting about events around the world, = including=20 the US, I must turn to foreign sources, or the internet. Why will US = media not=20 print or tell the truth? Weapons or not, Saddam Hussein was a supporter = of=20 terrorism...

David Hinz, Munith, USA

The Iranians will not attack. They = will be=20 humbled by the apology America's Dear Leader offers them for their = embarrassment=20 at the hands of Jimmy Carter.

bertgore, Nashville, USA

To anyone who says we went into Iraq = for oil=20 is flat out wrong...if we wanted to invade a country for oil, why = wouldn't we go=20 into Iran??? I believe we went there to topple an evil dictatorship, and = now the=20 work begins...Its not going to happen overnight, but i believe the = coalition=20 forces will win

brandon, Minnesota, USA

All the Iraqis I know want us to = stay- I've=20 been offered a job there.

Phil, Atlanta, USA

I would like to know which Iraqi = want the=20 soldiers to leave. All the ones that I work with want us to stay because = they=20 feel safer. They are concerned that Iran will attack the minute that the = majority of US forces are gone.

joe smith, Falujah, Iraq

surprise surprise - the americans = might not=20 leave iraq

rob, Birmingham,

richard a. winkleer, that's because = the real=20 US government intends to safeguard it's investment in Iraqi oil, no = matter who=20 is in the White House. It just does what it's told. It's fairly = predictable that=20 there will be more `trouble' given who formed Al Quaeda. It just gives = an excuse=20 to stay.

Jill Dandy, Nantwich,

Is the oil production up to pre = invasion=20 figures?
Is the electrcity now a full 24/7 supply?
How many = Iraqis have=20 died for the supposed freedom of democracy?
You cannot impose = democracy with=20 a big stick.

Let the Iraqis vote on who stays or goes. Lets see=20 democracy work.

Jaxs, Croydon, UK

We invaded Iraq with a false UN=20 resolution...justification. Now we will lose this war (at least in the = sense=20 that it has claimed thousands more lives and cost a huge amount = ...contributing=20 to a world economic recession). When will the US Army learn, "Whoever = starts the=20 war will lose it." Caeser

Andrew Harrell, Vicksburg, MS, US

You are correct Vanessa. Ian is = wrong. Our=20 brave troops are keeping us safer and your support is critical. We did = not go=20 into Iraq for oil. We bought it before the war and we are buying it now. = We did=20 not take anyone's oil. We destroyed an evil dictatorship and Iraqis now = vote for=20 their leaders.

Pete, Los Angeles, CA

I don't understand why America is = fighting the=20 war in Iraq and Afghanistan. You never pacify these countries. There are = factors=20 playing. Iran destabilizing, tribes fighting for power, religious = influence,=20 their own governments destabilize the situaton cause they want USA to be = their=20 police and army.

Mel, Atlanta, USA

Only time will tell whether the war = leads to a=20 better way of life in Iraq or not.

Mark Loundes, Henderson, USA

The voters said in the 2006 = election, get out=20 of Iraq. Here it is in 2009 and nothing has changed.

What the = people say=20 makes no difference anymore.

richard a. winkleer, rodeo, usa

When the Americans leave Iraq it = will plunge=20 into civil war between the Sunnis, Shias and Kurds. Anyone who thinks=20 differently is a fool. How do I know? I lived in the Middle East for 20 = years=20 and would claim a better knowledge of how it works than any Western=20 government.

Les, Middlesbrough, UK

Vanessa, as much as I admire your = unwavering=20 patriotism, your country's military/political elites have made the US a = much=20 more dangerous place, not safer. How? By invading sovereign nations for=20 oil/geostrategic significance and killing well over a million civilians, = creating millions more martyrs.

Ian, Vancouver, Canada

If and when Osama Bin Laden is = found, Obama=20 will bow to him and appologize for the US behaviors of the past. Then = world=20 peace will reign.

Darrel, Chicago,

This is why you don't set a date for = a=20 withdrawal.

Moe, Hartford, USA

I wonder if any media will state = that it was=20 irresponsible of Obama to tout early exit.He went along with the flow at = the=20 time,now is the time for him to be honest.Great strides have been made = in Iraq=20 thanks to the troops.Many gave their life,it is up to Obama to see it = wasn't in=20 vain.

Noelene, Launceston,

While I've been against this war = from the=20 start and would love to see our troops come home, I also think it's = right for=20 the generals and President to be cautious about our exit strategy. It = would only=20 make matters worse for the US to leave in such a way that sets the stage = for=20 more violence.

James, Salt Lake City, USA

The ultimate decision would be made = by=20 president Obama, whom is commander in chief of the armed forces"

Patrick, Oakland,

Thanks to Odierno and other service = persons.=20 You make America safe and great!

vanessa knight, prairieville, LA, USA

It's like watching a cat playing = with a mouse=20 - it won't give up until the mouse is dead.

Neil McGowan, Moscow, Russia

Looks like some were right about it = being=20 "Obama's Vietnam War !

You Own it Sir , can't push this off on = Bush=20 !!!!!

Doug Rose, Chicago,

Saddam Hussein had Iraq under = control, but he=20 made the mistake of launching missiles against Israel at the end of the = "first"=20 Iraq war, in which he was evicted from Kuwait. This prompted the friends = of=20 Israel in the USA to invade Iraq and get rid of him. As a result, = al-Qaeda has=20 taken control.

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, = England

I believe you left one person out on = the=20 previous page who is deserving of credit for the surge. President George = W.=20 Bush. It was an unpopular thing for him to do at the time but the right = thing to=20 do. You have a responsibility to report the news unbiasedly and to give = credit=20 where it is due.

Aaron, Seattle, USA

Also in Iraq News

Also in World News

Times=20 Recommends

MOST=20 READ

MOST=20 COMMENTED

MOST=20 CURIOUS

Today

MOST COMMENTED

Skip=20 Editor's Pick

Today

MOST CURIOUS

Skip=20 Most Curious

Today

Bickering=20 blooms in a queen=92s garden

Science=20 unlocks secrets of our deepest love

Hello,=20 this is the afternoon nudes

Quee= n to=20 get party of century

Focus Zone

Clough=20 in the Rough:

The story of Brian Clough's doomed 44 days = at Leeds=20 United and a look at the evolution of the beautiful = game

Business = Solutions:

Risk, resilience and embracing new=20 technology

Need=20 to Know:

Industry sectors news at a glance. = Interactive=20 heatmap, video and podcast

<= IMG=20 class=3Ddisplay-block height=3D100 alt=3D"Social Entrepreneur"=20 src=3D"http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00437/last-385_437= 531l.jpg"=20 width=3D100>

S= ocial=20 Entrepreneurs:

The inside track on current trends in the = charity,=20 not for profit and social enterprise sectors

Business=20 Travel:

Everything the Business Traveller needs to = know to=20 make a better trip

More=20 reports:

Enjoy further reading from Travel to = Fashion,=20 Business to Sport, discover more

Financial=20 Brochures

Classifieds

Cars

Skip=20 Cars of the Week

Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe S 2dr Tiptronic S

2006
=A343,850

Audi Q7 3.0 TDi QUATTRO S line Automatic

2008
=A339,994

Lexus LS Saloon 600h L 50 4dr Cvt Auto [rear Relaxation = Pack]

2007
=A349,850

Car insurance

Great car insurance deals online

Search=20 for more cars and bikes

Jobs

Skip=20 Jobs of the Week

Core Enterprise Architects

Six Figure Package
Lafosse
London

Head of Solutions Architecture

Six Figure Package
Lafosse
London

Global IT Portfolio Planning Manager

Six Figure Salary
Lafosse
London

Non Executive Director

c. =A38k
OPM
London

Search more Jobs

Properties

Looking to Buy? Looking to Sell? Kinleigh Folkard & = Hayward

Completely London

Rushmore Condo's

Luxury Condo's in Manhattan with NYC = views

Dar Saladin, Marrakech

Luxury Moroccan villa of 1,346 sq m, on a 6.2 acre plot = with=20 mountain views

Diversity Works For London

Going For Gold? How to achieve the gold=20 standard

Search for more properties

Holidays

Skip=20 Travel of the Week

The great outdoors & spectacular resorts
From = =A3569pp=20

Specialists in wildlife and adventure holidays, city = breaks and=20 cruises =96 Frontier Canada

Search for your perfect holiday property

with Times Online and Vacation Rental=20 People

Travel insurance

Great travel insurance deals online =
.

Search for more holidays

Place=20 your advert now

Where am I?

Home

News World News Iraq = News

Contact=20 us
Back=20 to top

<= /DIV>

Contact=20 our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times = Online, The=20 Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.

News International associated = websites: Globrix Property = Search | Property Finder | Milkround

This service is provided on Times = Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy = Policy.To=20 inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The = Times or=20 The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the = News=20 International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London = E98 1XY,=20 is the holding company for the News International group and is = registered in=20 England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.

------=_NextPart_001_0041_01C9BC5F.6E4E4CB0 Content-Type: application/octet-stream Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Location: javascript:parent.fV11() ------=_NextPart_001_0041_01C9BC5F.6E4E4CB0-- ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C9BC5F.6E4265D0 Content-Type: application/octet-stream Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/js/tol.js ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C9BC5F.6E4265D0 Content-Type: application/octet-stream Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/js/DM_client.js //=20 ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C9BC5F.6E4265D0 Content-Type: application/octet-stream Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://js.revsci.net/gateway/gw.js?csid=J05530 /*=0A= * Build version UW-11.1.0-94=0A= */=0A= var rsi_k;=0A= var rsi_now =3D new Date();=0A= var rsi_csid =3D 'J05530';=0A= if(typeof(csids)=3D=3D"undefined"){var = csids=3D[rsi_csid];}else{csids.push(rsi_csid);}var _rsiaa=3D0;var = _rsiba=3D1;var _rsica=3D0;var _rsida=3D0;var _rsiea=3D0;var = _rsifa=3D1;var _rsiga=3D"0806180";var _rsiha=3D"pix04.revsci.net";var = _rsiia=3D"js";var _rsija=3D"b";var _rsika=3D"3";var _rsila=3D3;var = _rsima=3Dnew Array();var _rsina=3D0;var _rsioa;var _rsipa;var _rsiqa;var = _rsira;var _rsisa;var _rsita;_rsiua();function = DM_cat(Da){_rsioa=3DDa;}function DM_name(Ea){_rsipa=3DEa;}function = DM_keywords(st){_rsiqa=3Dst;}function DM_event(Fa){_rsira=3DFa;}function = DM_addToLoc(n,v){_rsisa=3D_rsiva(_rsisa,n,v);}function = DM_addEncToLoc(n,v){DM_addToLoc(_rsiwa(n),_rsiwa(v));}function = DM_setLoc(u){_rsisa=3Du;}function DM_setCsid(Ga){rsi_csid=3DGa;}function = rsi_c(Ha){this._rsixa=3DHa;}function = rsi_ral(Ia){this._rsiaa=3DIa;}function = rsi_riu(Ja){this._rsiba=3DJa;}function = rsi_tiu(Ka){this._rsica=3DKa;}function = rsi_m(La){this._rsida=3DLa;}function = rsi_dw(Ma){this._rsiea=3DMa;}function = rsi_tu(Na){this._rsifa=3DdocW;}function = rsi_s(Oa){this._rsiha=3DOa;}function = rsi_t(Pa){this._rsiia=3DPa;}function = rsi_en(Qa){this._rsija=3DQa;}function = rsi_cn(Ra){this._rsika=3DRa;}function = rsi_us(Sa){this._rsila=3DSa;}function DM_tag(){var = Ta;if(_rsina=3D=3D0||_rsida=3D=3D1){if(typeof(DM_prep)=3D=3D"function"){D= M_prep(rsi_csid);}var Ua=3D_rsiya();if(_rsiia=3D=3D"gif"){Ta=3Dnew = Image(2,3);Ta.src=3DUa;_rsima[_rsima.length]=3DTa;}else = if(_rsiia=3D=3D"js"){if(_rsiea=3D=3D1){document.write("

Navigation - link to other main sections from = here

General Ray Odierno: we may miss Iraq deadline to = halt=20 al-Qaeda terror

Related Links

Multimedia

Page 1 of 2 =

Have=20 your say

Also in Iraq News

Also in World News

Times=20 Recommends

Baghdad bombs

Inside Iraq

Soldiers in Basra

in depth

Pictures of the Day

Most Read

Today

MOST COMMENTED

Today

MOST CURIOUS

Today

Focus Zone

Financial=20 Brochures

Popular Searches on = Times=20 Online

Cars

Jobs

Properties

Holidays