Originally at http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4296269

(Doha, Qatar-AP) December 28, 2005 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs has opened a week-long trip to the Middle East with a stop at a military base in Doha, Qatar.

General Peter Pace will spend time with troops, and will also meet with many of the generals in charge of stabilizing Iraq and Afghanistan.

That process is considered key to being able to withdraw US troops from the region in any substantial amount.

Pace is arriving with some USO performers, including comedian Reggie McFadden, “American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo and country singer Michael Peterson.