Powell Gives Up Hope for Indian Troops

Sun Sep 28, 12:08 AM

By RANJAN ROY, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday that the United States has given up hope of getting Indian soldiers to help coalition forces secure Iraq, but said he was optimistic countries would contribute troops after a U.N. resolution.

"The Indians, they have indicated they would not be in a position to provide troops. And I don't expect that position to change," Powell said in an interview on the television news channel CNN.

Powell said he was disappointed with New Delhi's decision but "it's become clear in recent months that, for a variety of reasons, internal political domestic politics, the Indians would not be in a position to provide troops."

Powell said the United States could not count anymore on a large number of international troops for deployment in Iraq. "But is there still the possibility of more troop contributors? Yes."

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Mr. Powell continues to attempt to make silk out of a sow's ear. Fact is, we're stuck.