US commander sees Iraq 'turbulence' during withdrawal

Iraq can expect "turbulence" from al-Qaeda fighters and Shiite militants seeking to increase activity as US troops withdraw by year-end, the top American commander in the country said on Monday.

"As we leave, you can expect to see some turbulence in security initially, and that is because you will see various elements try to increase their freedom of movement and freedom of action. Al-Qaeda will be one of those elements," General Lloyd Austin told reporters. Fewer than 20,000 US troops remain in Iraq, preparing to pull out fully by the end of 2011. (Reuters)