General Pace tours Middle East, page 1

In his first trip abroad since assuming his post as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff three months ago, General Pace lauded troops at an airbase in Qatar, attributing success in the war on terror in the past year to the efforts of service members like them. He did not comment on troop reductions, but instead highlighted accomplishments that have allowed the hand over of more and more security duties to Iraqi forces.

www.latimes.com
U.S. Military Chief Travels to Middle East

DOHA, Qatar -- America's top military leader opened a weeklong holiday trip to the Middle East on Wednesday, applauding U.S. troops for their fight against terror just days after the Bush administration announced new troop cuts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also held talks with Gen. John Abizaid and other senior officers during his one-day stay in this key U.S. ally -- his first official overseas visit since taking the post three months ago.

Pace, who was traveling with his wife, Lynne, also planned stops in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Afghanistan and the East African nation Djibouti.

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This visit can do nothing but enhance the perception of U.S. strength and resolve in the region. It will be great for the morale of our troops to be visited by the nation's top military leader.

[edit on 1-1-2006 by asala]