The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Washington

The U.S. general commanding the Iraq war called for an open-ended suspension of American troop withdrawals this summer, reflecting concern about a recent flare-up in violence.

Gen. David Petraeus' recommendation leaves open the possibility that few, if any, additional troops will be brought home before U.S. President George W. Bush leaves office in January.

Petraeus told a Senate hearing Tuesday that he recommends a 45-day "period of consolidation and evaluation" once the extra combat forces that Bush ordered to Iraq last year have completed their pullout in July. He said the past year's progress is "fragile and reversible," and he did not commit to any additional troop withdrawals beyond July.

"This process will be continuous, with recommendations for further reductions made as conditions permit," he said.

"This approach does not allow establishment of a set withdrawal timetable. However, it does provide the flexibility those of us on the ground need to preserve the still fragile security gains our troopers have fought so hard and sacrificed so much to achieve."

The plan gives Petraeus maximum flexibility at a time of rising violence in Baghdad and some other parts of the country. It runs counter to Democrats' push for a more rapid reduction in the U.S. military commitment and a faster transfer of responsibility to the Iraqi government.

Petraeus said his approach is intended to "form a foundation for the gradual establishment of sustainable security in Iraq." But he did not say when he thought that goal would be reached. "Withdrawing too many forces too quickly could jeopardize the progress of the past year," Petraeus said.

Bush has said he intended to accept Petraeus' recommendation. On Thursday, the president will make a speech about the war, now in its sixth year, and his decision about troop levels.

Under questioning by Democratic Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Petraeus said he could not predict when troop reductions would be resumed or how many U.S. troops were likely to remain in Iraq by the end of this year.