[A. The goal is 325,000, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Barry Venable said.] Is that the force that enables us to then turn over security to that country? We don't know, ... There is no pat answer to the question. |
as a result of specific questions posed by Congressional staffers during briefings. |
I think that the report confirms what we have been saying for some time - that we continue to make progress in rebuilding Iraq, |
It is a complex legal matter. I don't have any information with regard how the department will respond to the warrants, |
It was not used against civilians, |
It was used as an incendiary weapon against enemy combatants, |
The legal framework is such that I am unable to comment on it at this point. Having said that, with regard to the incident itself, the journalist's death at the Palestine Hotel was a tragedy, |
The US Central Central Command fully investigated the incident and determined that the US service members acted appropriately during that combat action, |
There is a recognized need that there is still a ways to go in increasing their capabilities. Yeah, they've got a few pickup trucks it's better than walking. Yeah, it would be nice if they all had Bradleys. We're not there yet. |
There was a full and comprehensive investigation about the incident conducted, |
These incident reports are not intended to provide - and do not provide - a comprehensive account of Iraqi casualties, ... trends in casualties resulting from insurgent attacks. |
They're going to assist however they're needed, ... But it's best to think of them as a security force, not as prison guards, although some things they might do could bring them into proximity with prisoners. |
This does not anticipate a reduction, ... What it does is it recognizes there is change in the security mix as the ISF (Iraqi security forces) takes on more responsibilities. |
This is a legal matter that will be handled through appropriate channels. |
We categorically deny that claim, |