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ERIC BLACK INK

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    Iraq combat troops to stay, under a different designation

    By Eric Black | Published Fri, Mar 27 2009 3:45 pm

    Inter Press Service News Agency reports, based on statements by U.S. military officials, that U.S. combat troops will remain in Iraq after the date that Pres. Obama set for the removal of combat troops. The thing is, they will be relabeled as non-combat troops.

    "They will be called advisory and assistance brigades," said Defense Secretary Rober Gates. "They won't be called combat brigades.

    Fulfilling the promise to get the combat troops out by renaming the units is troubling. I suppose if the activities of those troops change so that they are truly not in combat, it's not the worst slime imaginable.

    I'm keeping my eyes on the bigger prize. Obama is now pledged to get ALL U.S. troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011. The U.S. is also committed to this by the terms of the Status of Forces Agreement signed by former Pres. Bush and ratified by the Iraqi Parliament.

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    Eric Black

    Eric Black Ink

    minnpost.com/ericblack


    Eric Black is a former reporter for the Star Tribune and Twin Cities blogger. He writes about politics and government of Minnesota and the United States, the historical background of topics and other issues. Click here to view Eric's previous postings at former blog, Eric Black Ink. He can be reached at eblack [at] minnpost [dot] com.

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