Iraq War News Updates -- December 23, 2008

U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Lanasa, Headquarters Platoon, 21st Military Police Company, talks to his vehicle commander during a convoy stop in Basra, Iraq, on Dec. 13, 2008. DoD photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati, U.S. Army. (Released)

Iraq Parliament Speaker Resigns, Troop
Mandate Extended -- Yahoo News/AFP

BAGHDAD (AFP) – Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmud Mashhadani said on Tuesday that he will resign, ending a political crisis that had thrown into doubt arrangements for a British troop presence into next year.

Immediately following a speech by the fiery politician, parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to allow the presence of non-US foreign troops after December 31, when a UN mandate expires.

"I announce that I'm resigning from my position as parliament speaker in the interests of the people," Mashhadani said in his speech to MPs, triggering applause.

His announcement came after a vote last week that was to provide British and other non-US foreign forces with a legal basis to remain in Iraq into 2009 was suddenly shelved in a row between him and some MPs.

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More News On Iraq

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Resigns -- New York Times
Iraqi MPs back foreign troop deal -- BBC
Iraq OKs continued presence of foreign troops -- CNN
Security Council Extends Protection of Iraq’s Assets -- New York Times
UN gives Iraq economic protection -- BBC
UN Security Council Extends Protection for Iraqi Assets -- Voice Of America
Diggers Get Green Light for Iraq Role -- The Australian
Daily Attacks in Iraq Drop Nearly 95 Percent -- AFPS
Winning Hearts and Minds -- United Press International
Experts Advise Obama on Iraq Strategy -- United Press International
Iraq Shoe-thrower Set for Trial -- BBC News
Iraqi Shoe-Thrower Defiant, His Brother Says After Visit -- Washington Post
The Shoe is Mightier than the Grenade -- The Times opinion
Iraq's Year of Elections -- Washington Post opinion