2006年VOA标准英语-US General: Plan for US Troop Reductions i

By Al Pessin
Baghdad
26 April 2006

The top U.S. military general in Iraq says his intention to recommend a significant reduction in U.S. troop levels in the country later this year is basically on track, thanks in part to the selection of the country's new prime minister on Saturday. But after meeting in Baghdad with the visiting U.S. Defense¹ Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the general said he wants to see a few more steps toward stability before he makes his recommendation.

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US Army General George Casey, left, gestures as he and U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld brief the media at the US Embassy Annex² in Baghdad, Iraq Wednesday April 26, 2006  
  

Standing³ next to Secretary Rumsfeld in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces, General George Casey said Saturday's parliament vote naming the new prime minister and other top officials was one of the things he was waiting for.

"It is certainly a major step in the process," he said.

But the general said there are a few more milestones⁴ the fledgling Iraqi government will have to pass before he will be ready to recommend a significant troop reduction to President Bush.

"This government formation now is another step. When they get the cabinet ministers identified, and the government then takes up its position and begins governing, that will be the next major step," said Casey. "And so we are seeing the situation a little clearer, I'd say, and the clearer I see it the better I can make my recommendations."

General Casey said he is on what he called his "general timeline." He previously⁵ said he expected to make a recommendation this spring that could include a significant troop reduction. He also noted⁶ that the process of transferring security authority to the new Iraqi army and police force has already begun in several parts of the country.

Rumsfeld was more cautious in his comment on future U.S. troop strength in Iraq.

US troops in Baghdad (File photo)   
  
"The question of our force levels here will depend on conditions on the ground and discussions with the Iraqi government, which will evolve over time," he said.

Rumsfeld was to meet with the new Iraqi leaders later in the day. He said he has heard that the new prime minister, Jawad al-Maliki, is working to form a government of competent ministers who understand the importance of fighting corruption⁷ and serving the entire country, not just any one sectarian group.

As usual, the secretary's visit to Iraq was not announced in advance. He arrived on a non-stop military flight from Washington, which left shortly after he urged reluctant members of Congress to fully⁸ fund his plans to train and equip Iraq's new security forces.

Rumsfeld has come under increasing criticism from some members of congress and some retired⁹ generals for his conduct of the war in Iraq. But he and the president have strongly defended his record. Asked Wednesday whether this might be his last visit to Iraq as secretary of defense, he answered simply, "No."

1 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

2 annex   

vt.兼并，吞并；n.附属建筑物

参考例句：

• It plans to annex an England company in order to enlarge the market.它计划兼并一家英国公司以扩大市场。
• The annex has been built on to the main building.主楼配建有附属的建筑物。

3 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

4 milestones   

n.重要事件( milestone的名词复数 )；重要阶段；转折点；里程碑

参考例句：

• Several important milestones in foreign policy have been passed by this Congress and they can be chalked up as major accomplishments. 这次代表大会通过了对外政策中几起划时代的事件，并且它们可作为主要成就记录下来。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Dale: I really envy your milestones over the last few years, Don. 我真的很羡慕你在过去几年中所建立的丰功伟绩。 来自互联网

5 previously   

adv.以前，先前（地）

参考例句：

• The bicycle tyre blew out at a previously damaged point.自行车胎在以前损坏过的地方又爆开了。
• Let me digress for a moment and explain what had happened previously.让我岔开一会儿，解释原先发生了什么。

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

7 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。

8 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

9 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。