POWELL GETS IT

Overstretched U.S. Forces Are ‘Losing’ in Iraq, Powell Says

By BRIAN KNOWLTON
Published: December 17, 2006
New York Times

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 — Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said today that badly overstretched American forces in Iraq were losing the war there, and that a temporary increase in troop levels probably would not help.


General Powell was deeply skeptical about proposals to increase troop levels in Iraq, an idea that appears to have gained ground as President Bush reconsiders the United States’ strategy there.

“There really are no additional troops” to send, General Powell said, adding that he agreed with those who say that the United States Army is “about broken.”

General Powell said the Iraq war had left Americans “a little less safe” by curtailing the forces available should another major crisis arise.