The Bush administration is considering pulling more troops out of Iraq.

The New York Times reports that the Pentagon wants to ease some of the strain on the military.

The U.S. has been wary of bringing too many troops home, too quickly. But the security in Iraq has improved significantly over the last year.

Military officials also want to have more troops available for duty in Afghanistan.

In May and June of this year, more members of the American and allied forces died in Afghanistan than in Iraq. It appears as if that trend is continuing this month.

On Sunday, nine American soldiers were killed after their small base near the Pakistan border came under a prolonged attack by Taliban militants.

Fifteen soldiers were also wounded.

Sources:  The Associated Press, New York Times