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thedrifter
02-06-06, 01:08 PM
Marine leader says Iraqi forces growing
Feb 6, 2006 : 1:32 pm ET
The Herald-Sun

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The commander of deployed North Carolina-based Marines says Iraqi forces are succeeding, but that the country's government needs to continue to show its support for its troops and citizens.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson returned last week to Camp Lejeune, where he was commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force before leaving last year to lead a force of about 20,000 Marines and 14,000 other troops.

Johnson said Friday that he believes infrastructure improvements and a better economy will come in future months for Iraq, but that insurgents remain a problem.

"There's still an active insurgency in Al Anbar province," he said. "And it will continue for the foreseeable future.

"These people have a violent history, and I think people are tired of that. Once they see that there are options other than violence, that the political process will treat them accordingly, once that happens I believe more moderate voices will win out."

Lejeune-based Marines have begun returning home and will be replaced by Marines from the 1st MEF based at Camp Pendleton, Calif.