Iraqis resilient, Odierno says

KILLEEN, Texas, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Iraq is emerging as a democratic voice in the Middle East as the country establishes its own unique foundations, a U.S. military commander said in Texas.

Iraqi lawmakers have squabbled over a national election law, delaying a parliamentary vote scheduled for January to March 7. Meanwhile, a string of deadly bombings rocked the Iraqi capital Tuesday, killing hundreds in attacks targeting government buildings.

U.S. military officials are watching developments in Iraq closely as they begin to plan the gradual redeployment from the country.

U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the top military commander in Iraq, told a group of roughly 800 soldiers in Killeen, Texas, that despite modest setbacks, Iraq was making considerable progress.

"We are witnessing the principles of democracy take hold in Iraq as Iraqis establish the foundations of their own representative government in accordance with their own constitution," he said.

Civilian casualties for November, he added, were the lowest for Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Pointing to the insurgent threat, Odierno said that while al-Qaida was capable of mounting multiple attacks, there are fewer incidents, which shows that Iraqi citizens are resolved to stand united against the threat.

"Today, Iraq is a nascent democracy that is rebuilding its strategic depth as a regional power in the Middle East," he said.