Though it isn’t the timeline he’s called for, U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said today he was encouraged by plans revealed by the top
Gen. David Petraeus outlined the plan today before a House committee, and is scheduled to do the same Tuesday in the Senate. He said the cut of 30,000 soldiers would begin with a 2,000-member Marine unit returning home this month without replacement, the Associated Press is reporting.
Petraeus also recommended further reductions of combat forces in
Domenici announced in July that he was cosponsoring legislation calling for a goal of moving combat troops out of
Many GOP senators said at the time they were waiting for today’s report, but Domenici said he could not wait because it had become clear to him that the Iraqi government was not meeting benchmarks that were to accompany the surge.
The cuts Petraeus outlined today will return troop levels in
“I look forward to more carefully studying the report and recommendations being made by General Petraeus,” Domenici said. “… General Petraeus’ testimony in the House has highlighted the tremendous efforts of our troops to bring security to
Domenici said he also shares frustrations expressed today by Ryan Crocker, the
Gov. Bill Richardson, meanwhile, blasted Petraeus’ recommendation in a news release sent out by his presidential campaign.
“I am saddened, but not surprised, by the recommendations of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker on
Pearce and Domenici defend Petraeus
Meanwhile, the liberal group MoveOn.org ran a full-page ad today in the New York Times calling Petraeus “General Betray Us” and accusing him of “cooking the books for the White House.” That drew sharp criticism from U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., and Domenici.
Pearce called on Democratic congressional leaders to “denounce the defamatory MoveOn.org ad.”
“In the strongest possible terms, I urge my colleagues to denounce this despicable attack on one of
Domenici signed a letter to Democrat leaders stating that the ad “is distasteful and frankly, below the level of respect that
“MoveOn.org’s preemptive strike on General Petraeus in today’s New York Times is reprehensible. General Petraeus has served this country with integrity and honor for nearly 35 years,” Domenici said. “He deserves our respect and gratitude, not baseless, personal attacks.”
Pearce stated that, “at this pivotal moment for our nation and the future of