Iraq has demanded a clear commitment from the US that its forces will have left its soil by the end of 2011.

The stance was revealed in a newly toughened-up version of a draft military pact that could eventually see the US presence forced to make their exit much sooner.

With time fast running out to seal the deal, the Iraqi Cabinet today gave Nouri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister, approval to submit a series of proposed amendments to the US side for further negotiation.

The changes would eliminate any possibility of the US military staying in the country for more than another three years, according to the source. A previous draft linked the pullout with security conditions on the ground, raising the possibility of the US troop presence being extended.

“The maximum duration is three years. It cannot be extended beyond the three years but it can be reduced,” an Iraqi source close to the matter said, explaining that under the suggested amendments either Baghdad or Washington would be able to accelerate the US withdrawal rate provided a 12-month notice period is given.

Iraq has also changed the Arabic title of the document to make it more appealing for an Iraqi audience, many of whom oppose the US presence in their country.

It will now be known as the “agreement around the temporary presence of US forces in Iraq, its activities and its withdrawal timeline”, the source said.

Further alterations have been made to clarify the immunity status of US soldiers on operation if they commit a crime punishable by Iraqi law. In addition, tighter restrictions would be placed on non-US military and civilian personnel entering and exiting Iraq on US military flights.

Iraq demands all US troops out by 2011 - Times Online

I predict this is the beginning of yet another move whereby the U.S. strongly backs a middle east "horse" with force, only to have the "horse" go rabid and become our nightmare.
History points to Saddam & Osama as examples.
Iraq will eventually thank us for our "troubles" by pissing all over us.

I wonder if now that it's the Iraqis calling it a "timeline", will Bush have any problem with it?
Or should he just go off and ignore it until he's out of office...

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"As in a poker game where the chips were concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, the other fellows could stay in the game only by borrowing, when their credit ran out, the game stopped."
--Marriner S. Eccles, FDR's fed Chairman. (1951)

OK Good idea. Pakistan is the real threat. It always has been. Its where Lil' Kim got his weapons. Its been a serious problem for some time. Sanctions should start today.

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Talking about music is like dancing about architecture