Levin, Reed Call For 'reduction And Transition' In U.S. Forces In Iraq

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), a senior member of the panel, have unveiled a new proposal calling for a "reduction and transition" in U.S. forces in Iraq by April 30, 2008.

Under the Levin-Reed initiative, the United States would only have a "limited presence" in Iraq by next May 1, with force protection, counter-terrorism operations and the training of Iraqi security forces as the primary responsibility of any combat units remaining in the country. Neither Levin or Reed would say how many troops would be required under this "limited presence" proposal.

The two Democrats are also calling for a "comprehensive diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community for the purpose of working collectively to bring stability to Iraq." This would include discussions with Iraq on the future of Iraq.