Gates says violence down in Iraq but all is not perfect as US shift away from combat role
By Anne Gearan, APTuesday, August 31, 2010
Gates: Iraq better, not perfect as US role changes
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that as the United States closes its combat mission in Iraq, all is not perfect there — but it is much better.
Gates told the American Legion Tuesday that overall levels of violence are way down, despite recent high-profile attacks.
He says the U.S. has not needed to conduct an air strike in more than six months.
Gates says President Barack Obama will talk today about the future role of the U.S. in Iraq. U.S. officials say they want a friendly relationship with Iraq, but do not want a permanent military presence there.
Obama will address the nation later Tuesday about the transition from a combat mission to an advisory role for the fewer than 50,000 U.S, troops remaining in Iraq.
