LOS ANGELES - 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 reported Saturday. Citing an unnamed defence official, ...| ... of course, they just can't ever be named ... |
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. The defence official said commanders have not determined the exact number of extra troops they will request, the report said.
Military officers have debated an increase of about 20,000, about five extra combat brigades, The Times said. But while some officers think five extra brigades would be difficult to muster, others believe more troops will be required, the paper reported.