U.S. Expects AQI Resurgency In Iraq

BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The U.S. military has assessed that Al Qaida would gain
strength in 2012.
The U.S. commander in Iraq asserted that Al Qaida was expected to
benefit from the American troop withdrawal by the end of the year. Gen.
Lloyd Austin said the absence of U.S. combat troops would bolster Al Qaida
in Iraq and expand operations, particularly in the north. AQI was believed
to have about 500 fighters in the country.