THE NUMBER OF US TROOPS IN IRAQ CONTINUES TO INCREASE: This Reuters report says US troop strength is “approaching” 5,000. There are reasons to believe the real figure is slightly higher, perhaps 6,000. See, some troops are temporarily assigned, or they are replacing other troops, or rotating with other troops, etc. US commanders recommended keeping 10,000 to 20,000 US troops in Iraq as a “night light” but Obama rejected the recommendation.