The latest of a line of hasty clarifications issued after an attention-getting statement from someone who didn't check with the handlers beforehand --
(NYT) BAGHDAD, Oct. 25 — The top American military commander in Iraq issued a statement today saying that while “all options are on the table” he has made no request “to date” for more American troops to protect Baghdad.
The statement came in the form of a “clarification” issued to news organizations in Baghdad of remarks made by Gen. George W. Casey Jr. at a press conference in Baghdad on Tuesday. The general told reporters then that troop increases in Baghdad were among the options as American commanders make adjustments to an 11-week-old operation in Baghdad that has aimed at recapturing the capital’s streets from insurgents and death squads.
“There is no intent to bring more U.S. troops into Iraq at this time. The general was merely saying, as he has said consistently since taking command of the Multi-National Force Iraq that all options are on the table. He will ask for what is needed. He has made no such request to date,” the statement said. The statement from Gen. Casey’s office on today said that news reports of the Tuesday press conference “inferred General Casey as saying more troops might be needed. Quite frankly, that is the wrong impression”.
(NYT) BAGHDAD, Oct. 25 — The top American military commander in Iraq issued a statement today saying that while “all options are on the table” he has made no request “to date” for more American troops to protect Baghdad.
The statement came in the form of a “clarification” issued to news organizations in Baghdad of remarks made by Gen. George W. Casey Jr. at a press conference in Baghdad on Tuesday. The general told reporters then that troop increases in Baghdad were among the options as American commanders make adjustments to an 11-week-old operation in Baghdad that has aimed at recapturing the capital’s streets from insurgents and death squads.
“There is no intent to bring more U.S. troops into Iraq at this time. The general was merely saying, as he has said consistently since taking command of the Multi-National Force Iraq that all options are on the table. He will ask for what is needed. He has made no such request to date,” the statement said. The statement from Gen. Casey’s office on today said that news reports of the Tuesday press conference “inferred General Casey as saying more troops might be needed. Quite frankly, that is the wrong impression”.