U.S. Secretary Of Defense Gates In Iraq To Discuss U.S. Troop Withdrawal

IRAQ WELCOME - U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, U.S. Forces Iraq, greets U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates as he arrives at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, April 6, 2011. Gates is scheduled to visit troops and meet with Iraqi leaders during his visit. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

U.S. Pushes Iraq To Decide On Troop Extension -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Months before the United States is due to complete its withdrawal from Iraq, Washington is stepping up pressure on Iraqi leaders to decide whether U.S. troops should stay to help fend off a still-potent insurgency.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking ahead of meetings with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other Iraqi leaders during a visit to Baghdad, said the United States would be willing to consider extending the U.S. military presence in Iraq beyond the end of this year.

A bilateral security pact requires the United States to withdraw its remaining force of around 47,000 troops by year's end.

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