Still, opposition politicians continued their call for a more rapid withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq.
But he rarely mentions the daunting challenges beyond the volatile security situation that are preventing a rapid withdrawal.
He supported the war in Afghanistan and opposed rapid withdrawal from Iraq.
A rapid withdrawal from the Middle East would serve only to embolden the terrorists.
Prague officials said the rapid withdrawal of Soviet troops was high on their agenda for two reasons.
The killings could further fuel calls for a more rapid withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
This provided the turning point, he continued, and by spring of last year the rapid withdrawal of the 70,000 soldiers was agreed on.
Physical addiction can be life-threatening, especially during rapid withdrawal.
These goals do not contradict the administration's official policy of rapid withdrawal from Iraq, officials say.
A sober reading of the data argues against a rapid withdrawal, which would concede the fight to the terrorists.