Iraq Agrees To A Continued US Troop Presence After 2011

Iraqi leaders have reportedly asked Washington to extend the U.S. military presence in their country beyond the withdrawal deadline in December. © flickr.com/ The U.S. Army

Iraqi Leaders Agree To Continued US Troop Presence Beyond 2011 -- Threat Matrix

As Iraqi political forces significantly realign their allegiances, leaders have agreed to negotiate a deal to allow some US troops to remain in Iraq beyond December 2011.

Background

Although the Iraqi security forces are capable of maintaining internal security, they are still many years away from developing a force that is capable of defending Iraq from external threats. The Iraqi security forces will require significant amounts of equipment and training assistance over the next five to 10 years in order to achieve this.

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More News On Iraq Willing To Accept Some US Troops After 2011

Iraq Agrees to Negotiate U.S. Troop Presence Post-Withdrawal -- IBTimes
Baghdad wants some U.S. troops to stay on -- RIA Novosti
Unclear future ahead for U.S. troops in Iraq -- Xinhuanet
US drags its feet in Iraq -- Asia Times
U.S. Troop Withdrawal Rests on Decision From Iraq -- Jessica Rettig, US News & World Report

My Comment: The big question now is .... how many will stay behind.