Petraeus: 'Storm clouds' on Iraq horizon

BAGHDAD, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Gen. David Petraeus, outgoing commander of coalition troops in Iraq, says there are "many storm clouds on the horizon" in Iraq, the BBC reported Thursday.

Petraeus told the BBC in an interview that recent security gains in Iraq are "not irreversible." He said it is possible that U.S. troops could withdraw from Iraqi cities by the middle of 2009, but he said the situation there was fragile.

Petraeus, who will next lead the U.S. Central Command, said there are "many storm clouds on the horizon which could develop into real problems" and he does not know if he will ever be able to use the word "victory" about Iraq.

"This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade," he said, "it's not war with a simple slogan."

He said Iraqi forces have become more capable and confident, and Iraqis are standing up as U.S. troops stand down.

Petraeus, whose next assignment will have him oversee military operations in Afghanistan, said "trends" there "have not gone in the right direction."