In advance of the January 'elections' in Iraq, the (and just in time for the holidays!!!), the Pentagon has announced that it is boosting troop levels from 138,000 to 150,000 to provide more security for those areas of the country that we decide will be allowed to vote.
From the AP
"The Pentagon has decided to bolster U.S. forces in Iraq in advance of elections scheduled for late January by sending elements of the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C., and extending the tours of duty for other units already in Iraq, officials said Wednesday.
At least two Army brigades now operating in northern Iraq will have their tours extended by about two months, until after the election, an Army official said, speaking on condition of anonymity."
And, from the Reuters version
" The U.S. military will temporarily boost its troop strength in Iraq to about 150,000 from a current level of 138,000 to provide extra security for elections set for Jan. 30, defense officials said on Wednesday.
The increase will be achieved as thousands of U.S. soldiers are kept in Iraq for short-term extensions of current yearlong deployments even after their replacements arrive this month and in early January for routine rotation, according to the officials, who asked not to be named."