Petraeus, Crocker return to the Hill

WASHINGTON, April 9 (UPI) -- Reductions of U.S. troop strength in Iraq would be assessed after the current drawdown ends, Army Gen. David Petraeus told a House panel Wednesday.

Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker presented their assessments of the military, political, diplomatic and economic efforts in Iraq to the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday, their second day on the Hill. The two testified before Senate committees Tuesday.

Petraeus said he would recommend a 45-day period of "consolidation evaluation" take place after the current drawdown ends this summer. After the evaluation, he said, there would be an assessment period to determine when troop reductions could resume.

Crocker reiterated remarks about a U.S.-Iraqi bilateral agreement, which he said would not be binding to any future president or establish permanent bases in Iraq.

"Our aim is to ensure that the next president arrives in office with a stable foundation upon which to base policy decisions, and this is precisely what this agreement will do," Crocker said.

During questioning about withdrawing U.S. troops, Petraeus said he could see reductions beyond the 15 brigades. It depends on security, local governance and whether Iraqi security forces can take on a greater load, among other things.