Iraq's Maliki Suggests Setting Timetable for U.S. Withdrawal

[spanone]

BAGHDAD, July 7 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has for the first time suggested establishing a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, a step that the Bush administration has long opposed.

Maliki floated the idea on Monday during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he spoke with Arab ambassadors about a security pact being negotiated to determine the future role of U.S. troops in Iraq. The agreement would replace a U.N. mandate authorizing the presence of the troops, which is set to expire Dec. 31.

Maliki said that Iraq has proposed a short-term memorandum of understanding with the United States instead of trying to forge a longer term pact on an issue that has spawned opposition across Iraq's political divides.

"The current trend is to reach an agreement on a memorandum of understanding either for the departure of the forces or a memorandum of understanding to put a timetable on their withdrawal," Maliki said, according to a statement released Monday by his office that did not specify how long a period a memorandum would cover. "In all cases, the basis for any agreement will be respect for the full sovereignty of Iraq."

The talks on the security pact have been slowed by worries over Iraq's sovereignty as well as a growing concerns in Iraq about a possible long-term American presence in the war-ravaged country.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/07/AR2008070700364_pf.html

[napi21]

1. I heard this on TV tonight. I also heard the US response was

we will leave when the situation on the ground warrants it. I guess Shrub is giving the finger to Maliki the same way he does to everyone else!

[spanone]

2. i thought we were there at the request of the iraqi govt.?? oh, nevermind

[napi21]

3. Only if they agree with Shrub!!!! n/t

[Supersedeas]

4. and not a peep from the powdered faces on the pundit circuit? Odd, the Free Ride continues