War without end

War Could Last Years, Commander Says

By JOHN F. BURNS
Published: January 8, 2007

BAGHDAD, Jan. 7 � The new American operational commander in Iraq said Sunday that even with the additional American troops likely to be deployed in Baghdad under President Bush�s new war strategy it might take another �two or three years� for American and Iraqi forces to gain the upper hand in the war.

The commander, Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, assumed day-to-day control of war operations last month in the first step of a makeover of the American military hierarchy here. In his first lengthy meeting with reporters, General Odierno, 52, struck a cautious note about American prospects, saying much will depend on whether commanders can show enough progress to stem eroding support in the United States for the war.

�I believe the American people, if they feel we are making progress, they will have the patience,� he said. But right now, he added, �I think the frustration is that they think we are not making progress.�