Exit rumors net mixed reactions

Some say a withdrawal is necessary to legitimize Iraqi defense forces.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
News of a possible U.S. military reduction in Iraq, beginning as early as this fall, is being met in Baghdad with the deep skepticism of a war-weary people who have witnessed many other American exit plans go unfulfilled.
Most Iraqis want an end to the 127,000-strong U.S. presence, which they consider an occupation. But they are concerned, too, that Iraqi forces, while growing in size and capability, still can't cope with the insurgency and sectarian killings that have killed tens of thousands of Iraqis.
"I want the Americans to leave as soon as possible, so the reason to attack Iraqi troops will end, because insurgents are always accusing us of being agents and supporting these foreign troops," a first lieutenant of Iraq's Interior Ministry said Monday while commanding a checkpoint on Baghdad's airport road.
"Before they leave, they should destroy the [sectarian] militias and make sure the security elements are strong," says the officer. "I don't want them to leave completely; they should stay in bases. But if they don't lower their numbers, we will pressure them to do so."
This time around
The apparent plan, initially reported by The New York Times on Sunday, projects that U.S. combat brigades in Iraq, of 3,500 troops each, would be cut from 14 to five or six by the end of next year. An initial two brigades now slated to go home this September would not be replaced, according to the Times. But, says Ismael Zayer, editor of Baghdad's Sabah al-Jadiid newspaper, "We need to face the fact that if security ... does not improve in a very crucial way, there is nothing to talk about.
"We have the impression that a battle of Baghdad has begun already now," says Zayer. "Pulling out small troops or something bigger is good, it's welcome, but it has to be part of a ... genuine plan, not propaganda."
U.S. officials have "emphasized that any withdrawals would depend on continued progress" and strength of Iraqi units -- the same caveat that has undermined every previous pullout plan -- and that the newly formed Iraqi government had yet to be consulted, the Times noted.
President Bush said U.S. troop levels will be determined by military commanders, the new Iraqi government and conditions on the ground.
Bush told reporters he would await a recommendation from Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq. "And one of the things General Casey assured me of was that whatever recommendation he makes, it'll be aimed toward achieving victory," Bush said.
"And victory means a free government that is able to sustain itself, defend itself," Bush said.
The Iraqis' efforts
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Sunday unveiled a 24-point plan for national reconciliation and called on Iraqi forces to take control of growing slices of Iraq to enable U.S.-led coalition troops to leave. He gave no timeline for a U.S. pullout.
"When they finish supplying us humvees, tanks, cannons and airplanes like their army, [U.S. forces] should leave today, before tomorrow," says Captain Mohammad, of the Iraqi Army, who would not give his full name. "We originally did not even want to smell their perfume, or [for them to] leave any footprint in Iraq."
Poll results in late March from the U.S.-funded International Republican Institute (IRI) indicate that, at least relative to security, withdrawal of U.S. troops is not a top demand.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.