Asked about the possibility on Fox News television, Franks said: "That would be my guess ... I mean I may just go there with a small staff for the purpose of seeing my people."

He envisaged a low-key visit, and not a "parade," he added.

"My view is that a commander goes where he can see the eyes of the people who are doing the hard work," Franks continued.

"Last week I went to An Najaf and I went to Al Kut and I went to other places inside Iraq and that -- and I did that because I wanted to see how the operation was going.

"I'm not looking to have a victory parade in downtown Baghdad, I'm not looking to make some sort of a statement, but I am looking to have the best appreciation of what's going on in that country that I can have because it's my responsibility to do that, Franks said.

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