Concern over upcoming elections and widening tensions among Iraq's religious and ethnic groups appear to be the reasons for the U.S. military's recommendation to put the brakes on withdrawing more American troops from Iraq despite improvements in security. ...more

September 6, 2008

Republican John McCain's estimate of U.S. troop levels in Iraq touched off squabbling with Democrat Barack Obama on Friday, the latest turn in the presidential rivals' escalating disagreement over the war. ...more

May 31, 2008

The top U.S. military commander in Iraq said Wednesday that he is unlikely to call for another troop buildup in Iraq, even if security deteriorates after the extra American troops return home this summer. ...more

April 10, 2008

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has told President Bush that he wants to maintain heightened troop levels in Iraq well into next year to reduce the risk of military setbacks, but could accept the pullback of an initial brigade beginning in January, according to senior administration and military officials. ...more

September 7, 2007