US forces are increasingly stretched thin in Iraq, as evidenced by several recent decisions from the Pentagon. In April, officials announced that many soldiers would be forced to serve well beyond the promised 12 month tour. Many soldiers stationed in Iraq have not yet had an extended break.
To fill additional gaps, the Pentagon has declared that thousands of troops will be forced to stay on duty after their comissions end. Over 5,600 former soldiers have been called back to duty in Iraq, a move that some have called a "forced conscription", and which many observers say presages a post-election draft. Equipment and troops from other US military bases have also been diverted to Iraq.
» Albuquerque Tribune: Individual Ready Reserve gets call
» Slate: You're in the Army Now (and Forever)
» Ukiah Daily Journal: Do we need a draft: Locals debate the pros and cons
The Dominion is a monthly paper published by an incipient network of independent journalists in Canada. It aims to provide accurate, critical coverage that is accountable to its readers and the subjects it tackles. Taking its name from Canada's official status as both a colony and a colonial force, the Dominion examines politics, culture and daily life with a view to understanding the exercise of power.