U.S. Plans Slight Force Cut, Up to 5,000 Troops

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23 Dec. New York Times - U.S. Plans Slight Force Cut, Up to 5,000 Troops.

In the first reduction of American troops in Iraq approved since last week's elections there, President Bush has ordered the core force of 17 combat brigades inside Iraq to be trimmed to 15 brigades early next year, senior Defense Department and military officials said Thursday. While the net reduction of American forces under this order is expected to be modest - 3,000 to 5,000 troops in Iraq overall - the decision signals that a cautious realignment has begun, one intended to bring troop levels soon to their lowest point since mid-2004, officials said. It is expected to be followed with further incremental reductions in the months to come...