Panetta to Discuss Iraqi Troop Levels (Beyond 2011)

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Source: Seattle PI

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is huddling with the top U.S. military and diplomatic representatives in Baghdad before meeting with Iraqi leaders to discuss the possibility of keeping some U.S. troops in Iraq beyond 2011. He will also press Iraq for stronger action to stop stepped-up attacks on U.S. forces.

Panetta is meeting separately Monday with Army Gen. Lloyd Austin at his headquarters outside Baghdad and with Ambassador James Jeffrey.

Later, he talks to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani.

The Obama administration believes Iraq needs a slimmed-down U.S. military presence beyond 2011, when virtually all U.S. troops are scheduled to depart. Many Iraqi leaders agree, but they've been unwilling to make a formal request.

more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Panetta-to-discuss-Iraqi-troop-levels-1459882.php

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