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FACTBOX-Memo lists Rumsfeld's options for action in Iraq
02 Dec 2006 23:26:40 GMT
Source: Reuters

Dec 2 (Reuters) - Following are some of the possible options U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld outlined in a classified memorandum to President George W. Bush for "a major adjustment" in Iraq.

* Significantly boost the number of U.S. trainers and transfer more equipment to the Iraqi security forces.

* Decrease quickly the number of U.S. bases, now 55, to five by July 2007.

* Provide U.S. security only in cities or provinces that actively cooperate.

* Focus reconstruction "in those parts of Iraq that are behaving ... No more reconstruction assistance in areas where there is violence."

* Place substantial U.S. forces near the borders with Syria and Iran to reduce infiltration and reduce Iran's influence.

* Withdraw U.S. forces from vulnerable positions, such as patrols, and use them as a quick reaction force to assist Iraqi security forces when needed.

* Begin modest withdrawals of U.S. and coalition forces to encourage the Iraqi government to take charge.

* Provide money to political and religious leaders "to get them to help us through this difficult period."

* Institute a program to assist jobless youths, run by U.S. forces.

* Announce United States is trying out a new approach, which would allow further adjustments, if necessary.

"Less attractive options" included "continue the current path;" putting more U.S. forces into Baghdad to fight insurgents there; a substantial increase in U.S. forces in Iraq; setting a firm date for withdrawal; let Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds have their own spheres within Iraq; and convening a peace conference among the factions.
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Iraq's Finance Minister Bayan Jabor attends a news conference in Basra in this November 18, 2006 file photo. Jabor told Reuters on Monday that the Government has targeted an exchange rate to reach 1,260 Iraqi dinars to the U.S. dollar in the first three months of 2007 from the current 1,500 to the U.S. Dollar.