Iraq and the U.S. are near an agreement on all American combat troops leaving Iraq by October 2010, with the last soldiers out three years after that, two Iraqi officials told The Associated Press on Thursday. U.S. officials, however, insisted no dates had been agreed.
The proposed agreement calls for Americans to hand over parts of Baghdad's Green Zone - where the U.S. Embassy is located - to the Iraqis by the end of 2008. It would also remove U.S. forces from Iraqi cities by June 30, 2009, according to the two senior officials, both close to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and familiar with the negotiations.
The officials, who spoke separately on condition of anonymity because the talks are ongoing, said all U.S. combat troops would leave Iraq by October 2010, with the remaining support personnel gone "around 2013." The schedule could be amended if both sides agree - a face-saving escape clause that would extend the presence of U.S. forces if security conditions warrant it.
Funny, didn't Obama say that he'd have troops out "within 16 months"? If so, that means that ALL troops would be out of Iraq, if he won the Presidency, by May 2010. Another "odd" thing I've noticed is that ALL troops would be out "around 2013", right around election time. Funny how that worked out isn't it?
But, if this holds true, this gives Iraq WAY more time then they actually need when it comes to getting their act together and getting things rebuilt.
Travis
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