US breaks promise with troops expanding Iraq stay

By: Mohamed Ali

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon announced Thursday extending of the tours of some 20,000 American troops in Iraq by three months, breaking a promise to soldiers who were assured when they arrived in Iraq that they would stay no more than one year.

The new decision also gives commanders the extra firepower.

“We regret having to extend those individuals,” Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said while announcing the decision. “What they're doing is important. It's noble work, and in the end it will be successful.”

According to vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace the 20,000 soldiers are mainly from the 1st Armored Division and the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The troops had expected to return home this month after completing 12 months in Iraq.

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Historic US policy shift: Bush approves Sharon's W Bank plan

WASHINGTON: In a historic US policy shift that drew instant condemnation from the Palestinians, US President George W. Bush on Wednesday implicitly recognized Israel's claim to some West Bank settlements and backed a Gaza Strip pullout plan.

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