Rumsfeld leaves US troop presence to new Iraq government

[tocqueville]

1 hour, 9 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Iraq's new leaders should begin discussions on the future of the US military here and the pace of the US handover of security responsibilities.

"The question of our forces' levels here will depend on conditions on the ground and discussions with the Iraqi government which will evolve over time," Rusmfeld told reporters on an unannounced visit to Baghdad.

The defense secretary, who has been under fire at home for his conduct of the Iraq war, was to meet key figures in the fledgling national unity government after talks with coalition ground forces commander General George Casey.

Casey said he was still on his "general timeline" for recommending further reductions in the 132,000-strong US force in Iraq.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060426/pl_afp/iraqusrumsfeld_060426084335

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

1. Iraq has a government?

Geez, I guess you learn somethin' new every day.

[FloridaPat]

2. Didn't * say the other day we weren't leaving even if asked?

Just more lies.

[Missy M]

3. Bushco is sure scrambling these days.....

I guess Bush and company do pay attention to the polls.