WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) U.S. force levels in Iraq could be reduced if that country's security forces ''continue to do the kind of job they're doing,'' Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said today.
But Rumsfeld declined to say whether a significant reduction would be possible. ''I wouldn't want to use your phrase of significant,'' he told Illinois Democratic Sen.
Richard Durbin, saying that would prompt a debate on the meaning of that word.
''If the Iraqi security forces continue to do the kind of job they're doing, then there's no doubt in my mind that we're going to be able to reduce some troops,'' Rumsfeld told the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Bush administration has said it would be able to withdraw U.S. forces as Iraq's own forces became capable of taking on the insurgency.
Rumsfeld continued to reject calls from many Democrats for a timetable for withdrawing US forces, saying that risked ''playing into the internal political dynamics going on'' in Iraq. He said commanders would decided on troops reductions based on the situation on the ground.
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But Rumsfeld declined to say whether a significant reduction would be possible. ''I wouldn't want to use your phrase of significant,'' he told Illinois Democratic Sen.
Richard Durbin, saying that would prompt a debate on the meaning of that word.
''If the Iraqi security forces continue to do the kind of job they're doing, then there's no doubt in my mind that we're going to be able to reduce some troops,'' Rumsfeld told the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Bush administration has said it would be able to withdraw U.S. forces as Iraq's own forces became capable of taking on the insurgency.
Rumsfeld continued to reject calls from many Democrats for a timetable for withdrawing US forces, saying that risked ''playing into the internal political dynamics going on'' in Iraq. He said commanders would decided on troops reductions based on the situation on the ground.
Reuters VP0036
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