WASHINGTON, July 19 (UPI) -- The top U.S. military commander and the U.S. ambassador in Iraq testified Thursday before the U.S. Senate by video link, asking for time to show progress.
But senators warned Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker they may not get what they want, The New York Times reported. Republicans as well as Democrats appeared impatient with the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
"There's got to be some real evidence that action's taking place there and everything you can do to convey to Mr. Maliki and his executive committee, to the other players in the region, that the American people's patience is running out," Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, told Crocker.
Petraeus is to prepare a progress report in September on what has been achieved by the increase in U.S. troops and changes in strategy.
Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, also speaking by video link, told Pentagon reporters that no real assessment will be possible until November.
