Timeline could hurt Iraqi transition

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Flexibility is key for Iraq's move to independence, Gen. John Abizaid told a U.S. Senate panel, and a troop withdrawal timetable would harm the process.

"Failure to stabilize Iraq could increase Iranian aggressiveness and embolden al-Qaida's ideology," Abizaid told the Senate Armed Services Committee. It also could worsen sectarian violence "already apparent throughout the region."

Abizaid said military and diplomatic leaders believe it's possible to achieve stability in Iraq, but "we'll need flexibility to manage our forces and to help manage the Iraqi force.

"Force caps and specific timetables limit that flexibility."

He said he was encouraged the level of sectarian violence in Iraq, while still high, isn't as bad as it was in August. Confidence also is building in the Iraqi government, he said.

Noting the committee will focus on the future of the U.S. presence in Iraq, Abizaid asked the committee to be mindful of threats from Iran and the "pervasive global threat" of al-Qaida and its associates.

"The changing security challenges in Iraq require changes to our own approach to achieve stability," the general said, adding he was not speaking in favor or against any options the committee would consider.