[Peace-discuss] What a surprise...

[C. G. Estabrook]

US eyes prolonged presence in Iraq
Thu Apr 7, 2011 10:23PM


Months before the United States is due to complete its withdrawal from Iraq, 
Washington has launched a campaign to prolong its presence in the country.


US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who traveled to Iraq from Saudi Arabia where 
he met with King Abdullah earlier on Wednesday, told the Iraqi government that 
the US is prepared to extend its military presence in Iraq beyond December 31, 
2011.

"If folks here are going to want us to have a presence, we're going to need to 
get on with it pretty quickly in terms of our planning," Gates said .

He highlighted the need for a quick decision, alluding to American forces 
already under pressure in different areas throughout the world, including in the 
Afghanistan and Libya.

"I think there is interest in having a continuing presence, but the politics are 
such that we'll just have to wait and see because the initiative ultimately has 
to come from the Iraqis," Gates added.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Thursday rejected the offer and told 
Gates that he expects “all” American troops to leave by the end of the year.

A 2008 security agreement between Baghdad and Washington mandates the withdrawal 
of American forces from Iraq before 2012.

“Our armed forces have now the ability to counter any attack, and the ability is 
increasing day by day," AFP quoted Maliki as telling Gates.

The US has currently stationed some 47,000 troops in the country.

Gates also met separately with Kurdish President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad's 
heavily fortified Green Zone. Details of their talks were not available.

Gates was also expected to meet Massoud Barzani, president of the autonomous 
Kurdistan region.

Gates also claimed that Iraq has made “extraordinary” progress as an example for 
Middle East democracy.

“To see Iraq today, and when you look at the turbulences going across the entire 
region, lots of these folks would be happy if they could get to where Iraq is 
today,” Gates told reporters after the meeting.