Army general: US should aid Iraqi defense

WASHINGTON (AP) — The four-star general nominated to be the next Army chief told Congress Thursday that the U.S. should provide whatever defense assistance that Iraq believes it needs beyond 2011, particularly in light of what he called stepped-up Iranian efforts to pressure the U.S. to abandon Iraq.

"I think it's important that we provide them the support they think is necessary," Gen. Ray Odierno told his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Odierno served three tours as a commander in Iraq, the last as the top overall commander from 2008-10.

Later, when pressed on the question of extending the U.S. military presence in Iraq, Odierno said …