Another US general calls for US troop reductions in Iraq in next 12 months

DEBKAfile Intelligence

August 25, 2005, 11:10 AM (GMT+02:00)

Maj-Gen Douglas Lute, director of operations at US Central Command, is the latest US general to challenge the White House on a timeline for the US military presence in Iraq. He said reductions were part of a push by US regional commander Gen. John Abizaid to pass the burden of Iraq’s defense to Iraqi forces. Last month, Iraq commander, General George Casey commented on possible reductions early next year.

In Washington, White House spokesman Scott McClellan insisted Bush and his top generals were united on the issue