Top US general says he has backup plan to alter timing of combat exit if situation unstable

Top US general: US has Plan B for slower Iraq exit

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. general in Iraq says he could slow the exit of U.S. combat forces this year if Iraq’s politics are chaotic following elections this spring.

Gen. Ray Odierno (Oh-dee-AIR-no) says there are no signs that will be necessary, but he says he has a Plan B and told his superiors about it during Washington meetings over the past week.

The U.S. has agreed to withdraw combat forces from Iraq by the end of August.

Odierno told reporters at the Pentagon the timeline for combat withdrawal could change if he sees problems with the formation of a new Iraqi government following elections next month. The U.S. could leave more combat troops in place through late spring and summer, but getting them all out by the deadline will be a challenge.