Global General

Special

Newsmaker

Asia Pacific

America

Middle East

Europe

Africa

Iraq willing for quicker pullout

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-21 14:06

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's top spokesman says the government is willing to see the United States withdraw its troops even before the end of 2011. That was a deadline ageed by the outgoing US administration.

A policeman stands guard near residents looking at a burnt vehicle at the site of a bomb attack in Baghdad January 19, 2009. Iraq's top spokesman says the government is willing to see the United States withdraw its troops even before the end of 2011. [Agencies]

Related readings: Iraq Cabinet member escapes bombUS military deaths in Iraq at 4,226 Iraq tactics don't work in Afghan war

US President Barack Obama meets with top military commanders Wednesday to discuss the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He told the American people at his inauguration Tuesday that he will remove troops from Iraq in a responsible manner.

Obama promised during the campaign to bring home all US combat troops within 16 months but to consult his commanders first.

Iraqi spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Iraqis were worried about a premature departure. But he says the government is willing to let the US to depart before 2012 and assume full responsibility for security.