Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Military Spokesman: Violence Down in Iraq
BAGHDAD (UPI) -- The chief spokesman for the U.S. military in Iraq says violence there is down even though al-Qaida is as willing to kill as ever.
"Al-Qaida and illegal militias were active in the past, which posed a risk of sectarian war back then. Al-Qaida and militias are still present in Iraq," Jeffrey Buchanan told Iraqi satellite TV operation al-Sumaria. "However, people have begun to renounce these operations. They are not now in a war against each other."
The coalition led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said earlier this month the United States wants an extension of its mandate in the country. U.S. officials are concerned about the ongoing political stalemate.
Buchanan said the military wants to leave Iraq, but only when its mission is completed.
"U.S. forces have shifted focus from security operations to operations aimed at preserving stability. This has been achieved by training, arming and assisting the Iraqi army," Buchanan said.

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