U.S. officials said Tuesday Iraqi leaders have decided to develop a timeline by the end of the year for progress in stabilizing Iraq, and Iraqi forces should be able to take full control of security in the country in the next 12 to 18 months with "some level" of American support.
According to the AP, the top U.S. commander in Iraq said he felt the United States should continue to focus on drawing down American forces in the country. On Tuesday, the US military announced the deaths of four more U.S. troops, raising the month's toll to 91.
Regardless, Gen. George Casey said he would not hesitate to ask for more troops if he felt they were needed.
"We are about 75 percent of the way through a three-step process in building those (Iraqi) forces. It is going to take another 12 to 18 months or so till I believe the Iraqi security forces are completely capable of taking over responsibility for their own security that's still coupled with some level of support from us," Casey stated.
