doing. i brought home more than 90,000 troops since i took office. we have closed or turned over to iraq hundreds of basises. many parts of the country, iraqis have already taken the lead for security. in the months ahead, our troops will continue to support and train iraqi forces. partner with iraqis and counterterrorism missions and protect our civilians and military efforts. >> that's right. those u.s. forces will advise and support. but i don't need to tell you, they're all armed and ready for combat if it comes to them. they're just not going to look for it. >> gregg: major, the violence, though, in iraq is up, the political stalemate persists. does that in some ways complicate a moment to celebrate? >> it does complicate it. the white house does not deny that the rise in violence is a concern and primary concern to the yet to be formed unity government and iraqis themselves. let me give you one statistic we