Surge in Iraq: Nine Soldier Deaths Reported

[*jr]

Iraq: Nine Soldier Deaths Reported

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Iraq.html

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: September 11, 2007

Filed at 8:16 p.m. ET

BAGHDAD (AP) --

The U.S. military reported the deaths of nine soldiers Monday -- including seven killed in a vehicle accident -- and Iraq's prime minister said the nation's armed forces were not ready to fight without American help.

The statements -- more Pentagon death notices and appeals for more time from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki -- echoed some of the key struggles in Washington as lawmakers began long-awaited hearings on U.S. strategies in Iraq.

Among the core issues is whether Iraq's leadership is moving fast enough at political reconciliation and assuming security responsibilities while U.S. troop deaths have risen to at least 3,771 in the 4 1/2-year war.

Al-Maliki told Iraq's parliament that the American military is still needed despite what he described as a sharp drop in violence in the Baghdad area since President Bush ordered nearly 30,000 extra troops to Iraq this year.

''We still need more efforts and time in order for our armed forces to be able to take over security in all Iraqi provinces from the multinational forces that helped us a great deal in fighting terrorism and outlaws,'' al-Maliki said just hours before U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, began their statements on Capitol Hill.

Petraeus said he envisions gradually scaling back the U.S. troop strength in Iraq to about 130,00 by next summer -- roughly the number before the U.S. surge earlier this year.

In western Baghdad, seven U.S. soldiers were killed in a vehicle accident that also claimed the lives of two detainees, the military said. Eleven soldiers from Multinational Division-Baghdad and one detainee were also injured in the west Baghdad accident, the military said without giving further details. The U.S. statement made no mention of hostile fire and did not specify the neighborhood.

A U.S. spokesman, Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl, said all the victims were traveling in the same vehicle.

Another U.S. soldier was killed and two were injured when their vehicle overturned east of the capital, the military said in a statement. The military also said a soldier died Sunday of wounds suffered in fighting near Kirkuk in northern Iraq.

[*jr]

wow, roadside bombings are now being called "vehicle accidents" that's cute little change in terms, isn't it?

[Alchemist]

ICU needs to adopt similar tactics

[*jr]

ICU are not freedom fighters.....

[Alchemist]

[quote="*jr"]ICU are not freedom fighters.....[/quote]

Your a hypocrite like most somalis, you rejoice to see all arab lands liberated but not Somalia due to your blind love of qabil... I spit in the faces of hypocrites

[Steeler [Crawler2]]

Ladies, gentlemen
I believe we should keep in the back of our collective minds that when the US withdraws, if the Iraqis do not embrace this current government, this is their last chance. There are a lot of factions in Iraq, far more than were in Somalia in 91, and they are well armed and well resourced financially. They will rip the state apart. The only thing keeping the lid on is US Army presence. When that is gone, Iraq will have a massive civil war. It is as obvious as the nose on my face.

[galia]

Whatever happens we know where the blame lies-----the united snakes of america.


Gerorge bush and tony blair should be in jail asap, for crimes against humanity.