SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE VISITS BAGHDAD.

“I think we have to be ready to have additional forces here,” he said.

He said the American people — and the Iraqi people — need to be told that it will take more than a short-term commitment of a few thousand troops to put the country in order.

“I believe that a significant number of troops will be needed for a number of years,” he said...

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the legislators had heard rumors of low morale among the troops, but the delegation saw none of that.

“We have found high morale and extreme dedication,” she said.

Last point first. High morale is the norm. But I wonder if she talked to any troops from the 3d ID.

As to significant numbers of troops being there "a number of years"...well, let's hope other nations jump in to help.

I don't want to open another CPT Patti website in the future. Bet you'd be happy to keep your soldier home too.