A top U.S. general on Tuesday acknowledged that the slow progress in Iraq is hurting U.S. credibility in the Middle East.
"A protracted deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq, with no change in the security situation, risks further emboldening Iranian hegemonic ambitions and encourages their continued support to Shiite insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan," Adm. Michael Mullen told a congressional hearing which is to confirm his nomination as the next Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.
While saying that he believes that the "troop surge" plan is helping commanders on the ground, Mullen also noted that the country must plan for the eventual drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and the turnover of security responsibility there to the Iraqis.
"No amount of troops in no amount of time will make much of a difference," in Iraq, because the troops can not help the political process, he added.
He also revealed that he had been involved in a "rigorous" debate among top U.S. policymakers before President George W. Bush decided to send 30,000 more troops to Iraq in January.
"We had rigorous and thorough discussions and debates... The president then made his decision, and I am in support of that decision and working to make it succeed," he said.
The Senate Armed Services committee is expected to vote on Mullen's nomination before Congress adjourns Friday.
Source: Xinhua
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