U.S. Secretary Of Defense Panetta Lands In Iraq To Discuss Attacks, Exit (Updated)

PANETTA IN IRAQ - U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to troops at Camp Victory, Iraq, July 11, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

Panetta Airs Frustration Over Iraq -- Wall Street Journal

BAGHDAD—Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta delivered a blunt message to the Iraqi government, which has frustrated the Pentagon by deliberating for months about whether to ask the U.S. to keep some of its troops in the country beyond Dec. 31: "Dammit, make a decision."

Mr. Panetta, speaking Monday to American troops in Baghdad, also stepped up public pressure on Iraq to do more to stem attacks on U.S. troops by Iran-backed Iraqi militias, saying the U.S. would "push the Iraqis to take on the responsibility" but would also "do what we have to do unilaterally" to protect American lives.

"We're going to take this on, straight on," he said, without offering any specifics.

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US Defense Chief Concerned About Iranian Weapons in Iraq -- Voice of America
Panetta: Iranian weapons used to attack Americans in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Panetta Says Iranian Arms in Iraq Are a ‘Concern’ -- New York Times
Iraq must prevent attacks on Americans, Panetta says -- CNN
Panetta makes first trip to Iraq as defense secretary -- Washington Post
Panetta, in Baghdad, Will Urge Iraq to Act Against Attacks on U.S. Forces -- Wall Street Journal
Panetta in Iraq to see officials, commanders -- AP
New defense chief Panetta in Iraq, to press on drawdown -- Reuters
Panetta in Iraq as another US soldier killed -- AFP
Panetta Lands in Iraq to Discuss Attacks, Exit -- Bloomberg
Panetta in Iraq to Press for Decision on US Troops -- Voice of America
Panetta Arrives in Baghdad for Talks with Leaders -- U.S. Department of Defense
In Baghdad, Panetta warns Iran against arming Iraqi militias -- Stars and Stripes