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Army General Says US Troop Reductions in Iraq Likely for 2006
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C4AF7B:2AB91D3

General Richard Cody says top combat commanders are evaluating smaller
US presence The U.S. Army's second highest ranking general says the
number of American troops in Iraq will likely be reduced within one
year.

General Richard Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, told reporters
in Washington Thursday that top combat commanders are evaluating a
smaller U.S. presence, and a decision could be made next month.

The New York Times reports that senior military officials estimate
American troop levels could fall to 105,000 by early 2006.







US troops march at base near NajafThe standing U.S. force of 138,000
troops was increased during the recent Iraqi national elections, but
the Pentagon has said it would return to that number by the end of
this month.

The Bush administration says U.S. troop reduction depends on the
quality and speed of training Iraqi forces.


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