Army Chief: Iraq War Could Take Ten Years

George George Casey seems to be walking a fine line these days supporting his boss' war in Iraq. We don't know if he thinks the surge is succeeding. He actually opposed a surge before it was introduced. It was just that kind of language that got him kicked upstairs:

General George Casey told the National Press Club he wants to ease the strain on the U.S. army by ending the extended 15-month deployments to combat zones. But he says he will not be able to do that until the U.S. troop commitment to Iraq
comes down.

Here we have a little truth. Are we supposed to be hearing this. Or are they just foolin with us:

"The surge was and remains a temporary function," said General Casey. "I think we're on record here as saying the surge can be sustained through the spring without changes to the existing mobilization and deployment policies. And that's where we are. And we're going to wait and see here what happens, what our commanders on the ground recommend in the coming months."

Commanders have already indicated they are making progress establishing security and training Iraqi forces to take over. But they have been reluctant to say when a drawdown of U.S. troops could start without risking an increase in violence.

Now he sounds like a neocon lackey:

General Casey also said it could take ten years for Iraq to fulfill its potential and become a prosperous, stable country. But he said he has never doubted that that can happen if the United States maintains its commitment.