Iraq says hope slim for security deal with current U.S. gov't

[sabra]

Source: Xinhua

BAGHDAD, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi government spokesman gave a dim outlook Monday of reaching a security agreement with the current U.S. administration.

"There is a large possibility of postponing the signing of the long-term agreement between Iraq and the U.S., until a new U.S. administration is elected," Ali al-Dabbagh was quoted as saying by the Voice of Iraq news agency.

Their disputes include a timetable for the pullout of foreign troops and how the U.S. forces would operate in Iraq, Dabbagh said, adding that both sides were trying to achieve the maximum gains.

...

Dabbagh told the Iraqi news agency that the U.S. is talking about a number of years, while Iraq maintains that the Americans' stay should be short and hinge on the ability building of Iraq's own force.

"It is not important to sign the agreement on time (end of July2008), the important things are the aims that the Iraqi government seeks to accomplish by signing this treaty with the U.S.," he said.

Read more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/15/content_8545482.htm

[Ian David]

1. You see! Our newly minted free people with the purple fingers have spoken! n/t

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. Good, I hope they can hold out until

the Obama administration is in place.

[happygoluckytoyou]

3. thot they are waiting to deal with Quick Draw McSame....lol

[Olney Blue]

4. The difficulty in hammering out this agreement speaks volumes.