Mothers pay the ultimate price!

Even with a troop reduction,US military appears headed for a long stay in Iraq.
All signs point to a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq in 2006,perhaps to fewer than 100,000 by year`s end.But it is far from certain when there will be further reductions,or a total pullout,after that.In fact ,it now looks as if the United States may have a long-term and substantial military presence in Iraq military experts say.
Generals have been reluctant to set specific public timetables,but Gen George W.Casey Jr,the top U.S. Commander,noted this week that insurgencies in the 20th century lasted on average nine years.The Iraq war is coming up on a year three."Because of the nature of counterinsurgency,it`s often hard for people to define what victory is,"Casey said."It`s not D-day.There is not a not a big battle and it`s allover.It`s about people making choices so it evolves overtime.And that`s exactly what you see here."
The number of American troops here now is 136,000 down from a December high of 160,000,whose ranks were bolstered to protect against attacks during the Dec,15 voting.
Casey is expected to reccomend more cuts this spring.There is speculation that by the end of this year,fewer then 100,000 U.S.troops will be in Iraq.