ARAB-US RELATIONS - Jan 29 - US Commanders Predict A Long Campaign For Mosul.

Leading US commanders in northern Iraq predict that the battle to oust Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia from its last urban stronghold would not be swift but rather a grinding campaign for Mosul that will require more firepower from both the Pentagon and Iraqi allies. The statements appeared to discount suggestions by PM Nuri Kamal al-Maliki that Iraqi forces were gathering for a "decisive" attack as soon as all reinforcements are in place. "It is not going to be this climactic battle", said Major General Mark Hertling, commander of US forces in northern Iraq. "It's going to be probably a…