Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2008 3:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – While shying away from a presidential endorsement, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki expressed support for Barack Obama’s 16-month timeline for withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, Der Spiegel reports. He expressed frustration at his country’s lack of control over US forces and said they should leave "as soon as possible, as far as we are concerned."

“Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes,” Maliki said. He also made a tacit dig at John McCain’s Iraq statements. “Artificially prolonging the tenure of US troops in Iraq would cause problems.” A withdrawal timetable is “not evidence of a defeat," he concluded, “but of a victory.”

The sun sets as an Iraqi Army soldier secures a road in Amarah. (AP Photo)

Obama at a stop on his tour of Afghanistan. He's expected to meet with Maliki in Baghdad tomorrow. (AP Photo)

Obama during a meeting with the governor of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, left, and the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. (AP Photo)

Iraq's prime minister Nouri al-Maliki addresses the media in Najaf, south of Baghdad. (AP Photo)

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Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

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Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Barack Obama • John McCain • Nouri al-Maliki • troop withdrawal • endorsement • Iraq war • Iraq exit strategy • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

West Worried About Heavy-Handed Iraq PM

Maliki crackdown may herald return to authoritarian rule

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

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