Casey: Only Half Iraq Troop Boost Needed

Outgoing Top Commander In Iraq Says Baghdad Could Be Secured With Smaller U.S. Troop Buildup

(CBS/AP)  "There were a number of conversations and the president — after talking with General Casey and other commanders — came to the conclusion that he preferred to have five brigades into Baghdad and 4,000 Marines into Anbar," presidential spokesman Tony Snow said. "What General Casey was talking about is some suggestions he'd made earlier. The president has made his decision, and it does reflect the wisdom of a number of combatant commanders and it does have the assent of General Casey."

McCain criticized Casey for what he called misjudgments about the prospects for progress toward stabilizing Iraq during his tenure. McCain said he has "strong reservations" about Casey's nomination to become Army chief of staff and said that "things have gotten markedly and progressively worse" during his watch.

Despite getting tough questions from lawmakers frustrated by the war, Casey's nomination was not expected to be blocked. The committee chairman, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said during a break at the hearing that he would vote in favor of Casey. McCain had said a day earlier that he was inclined to support Casey but had "grave concerns."

McCain asked Casey whether he thought the mission in Baghdad could be accomplished with fewer than five extra brigades.

"I believe that the job in Baghdad, as it's designed now, can be done with less than that," Casey said. "But having the flexibility to have the other three brigades on a deployment cycle gives us and gives General Petraeus great flexibility," he added, referring to his designated successor, Lt. Gen. David Petraeus.

"It allows him to make assessments on whether the plan is working or not and to either reinforce success, maintain momentum, or put more forces in a place where the plans are not working," Casey said.

Casey described the situation in Baghdad as "bad," and said the U.S. strategy was not succeeding in three areas of the country: the provinces of Anbar and Diyala, as well as in Baghdad.

The proposed Senate resolution opposing Bush's troop buildup is likely to pose a threat to the White House because of its potential appeal to Republicans from Bush's own party who have grown tired of the nearly four-year war and want a chance to express their concerns. The White House has been hoping to avoid an overwhelming congressional vote criticizing Bush's handling of the war.