Iraqis Are StartingTo Discuss On Keeping U.S. Troops

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses service members assigned to U.S. Forces Iraq at Al-Faw Palace on Camp Victory in Baghdad, April 22, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Iraqis Hold First Talks On Keeping U.S. Troops -- Washington Times

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s top political factions are discussing whether to ask the U.S. to leave some troops currently in the country beyond the Dec. 31 withdrawal deadline.

Monday’s meeting at Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s Baghdad residence was attended by the prime minister, as well as senior Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish politicians.

It was the first high-level meeting to discuss the upcoming withdrawal. No details were released.

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My Comment: I expect the Iraqi leadership to debate, argue, explain, contradict, shout, demand, and finally acquiesce to a limited U.S. military presence in their country (I predict 10,000 - 15,000 soldiers). But the stat that sticks in my mind as this debate rages on is the following .... US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,463 .