So Much For The U.S. Withdrawing From Iraq

The Green Zone in Iraq

Republicans Slam Obama’s Strategy Of Contractors In Iraq, Limits In Libya -- Washington Times

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday that the Obama administration’s plan to replace troops in Iraq with private security contractors — what the South Carolina Republican referred to as a “mini State Department army” — puts hard-won American progress in that country at risk.

“The State Department has come to Congress and said, ‘We’re going to need over 50 mine-resistant vehicles. We need a fleet of helicopters and thousands of private security guards. I think that is a losing formula,” he said in an appearance Sunday on CBS‘ “Face the Nation.”

The president has vowed to withdraw most of the estimated 50,000 American troops remaining in Iraq by the end of this year, but Mr. Graham said he would like to see a more phased-in approach, starting with a drop to 10,000 to 15,000 troops in 2012.

Otherwise, he said, the situation could deteriorate and “Iraq could go to hell.”

Read more ....

My Comment: Goodbye to the old boss .... say hello to the new boss. No details on how large this "State Department Army" will be, but I will not be surprised if it numbers into the thousands. Also no surprise .... the U.S. embassy is getting ready for this increase in responsibility and involvement.