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Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2011 3:43 PM CDT | Updated Oct 15, 2011 5:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Pentagon threw cold water on a story today that US troops are leaving Iraq by year's end, MSNBC reports. "Suggestions that a final decision has been reached about our training relationship with the Iraqi government are wrong," a Pentagon spokesman said. "Those discussions are ongoing." Earlier, the AP reported that Washington failed to renew its security agreement with Baghdad, and would pull out its 41,000 troops by Jan. 1 as planned.

The sticking point was apparently immunity for US troops from Iraqi prosecution. Washington doesn't want to see US soldiers on trial over controversies like Abu Ghraib and the Haditha killings; Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki couldn't promise "immunity votes" in parliament. Even if the US does pull out, it could place troops in nearby Kuwait, and would maintain a huge diplomatic presence in Iraq—including about 5,000 security contractors and personnel to protect diplomats and facilities.

Members of Montana's 163rd Alpha Company take pictures in front of an American flag as they prepare to depart Iraq at the conclusion of their tour on July 16, 2011 in Iskandariya, Iraq. (Getty Images)

A US soldier with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment participates in a patrol on July 15, 2011 in Iskandariya, Babil Province, Iraq. (Getty Images)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 39 comments

Observer

Oct 17, 2011 3:26 PM CDT

Our military leaders are self-serving cult-like pricks that need to have they budgets cut off permanently. There is nothing more wasteful in the world than the US Pentagon. Why haven't we prosecuted the Warriors that stole billions of dollars sent to Iraq without oversight? How many Colonels were quick to discover the loot to haul away in cargo planes? It was too easy. No audits or paper trails. Bust these arrogant pigs. This is disgusting and criminal. No one gets their balls busted ever. Let's be a little more like China and execute Government thieves, influence peddlers and black marketeers. They all suck bad. The Feds know who they are. They allowed this to happen.

Mr_Joshua

Oct 16, 2011 4:15 AM CDT

Fuck the US for demanding immunity from prosecution. The US was happy to prosecute everyone they could find after WWII and other wars since. Why should US soldiers receive immunity if they commit crimes ? Dam hypocrites !! And you can call me.................Mr Joshua

Scaramouche

Oct 15, 2011 8:59 PM CDT

"The sticking point was apparently immunity for US troops from Iraqi prosecution." You shouldn't do things that make you fear being prosecuted for war crimes.

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Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

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Iraq • Abu Ghraib • Nouri al-Maliki • US troops • Haditha • Iraq war

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