US generals agree to troop surge in Iraq: report

This is bullshit on at least 2 fronts.

1. US military commanders in Iraq are reversing their recommendations for political reasons that have nothing to do with military strategy.

2. The fresh troops will allow them to relieve those fighters who are "losing it" or are otherwise unable to perform their duties. In other words, there will be a slight increase in actual fighting forces if any.

Top US military commanders in Iraq have decided to recommend a "surge" of fresh American combat forces, eliminating one of the last remaining hurdles to proposals being considered by President George W. Bush, The Los Angeles Times has reported.

Citing an unnamed defence official, the newspaper said the approval of a troop increase plan by top Iraq commanders, including General George Casey and Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, comes days before Bush unveils a new course for Iraq.

The recommendation by the commanders in Iraq is significant because Bush has placed prime importance on their advice, the report said.

The US command in Iraq decided to recommend an increase of troops several days ago, prior to meetings in Baghdad this week with Defence Secretary Robert Gates, according to The Times.

Commanders have been sceptical of the value of increasing troops, and the decision represents a reversal for Casey, the highest ranking officer in Iraq, the paper said.

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