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Iraq OKs US Troops for 3 More Years

Pact gives Iraqis more oversight over American presence

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 27, 2008 8:14 AM CST

(AP) – Iraq's parliament today passed a security pact with the US that lets American troops stay in the country for 3 more years. The ruling coalition's Shiite and Kurdish blocs as well as the largest Sunni Arab bloc backed the "yes" vote, the AP reports. The parliament speaker said an "overwhelming majority" lawmakers present voted in favor. PM Nouri al-Maliki appeared to have won the comfortable majority he sought to give the agreement additional legitimacy.

A bloc of 30 lawmakers loyal to anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who opposed the pact, chanted protests and hoisted banners that said "No, no to the agreement" during the 25-minute session. Under the agreement, American forces will withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30 and the entire country by Jan. 1, 2012. Iraq will have strict oversight over U.S. forces.

People watch the Iraqi parliament session in the Shiite holy city of Najaf yesterday. Intense deal making among Iraq's political factions led up to the final vote. (AP Photo/Alaa al-Marjani)

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari speaks to the press outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad's fortified 'Green Zone' yesterday. (Hadi Mizban)

The pact allows Iraq to have more oversight over US troops there. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

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Iraq OKs US Troops for 3 More Years

Pact gives Iraqis more oversight over American presence

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Iraq • Middle East • Iraqi Parliament • US troops • soldier • Muqtada al-Sadr • Iraq exit strategy • security pact

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

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David Hickman, 23, was last of some 4,500 to die

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Leon Panetta shuts down operation in quiet ceremony

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

As US Leaves Iraq, It Eyes a Beefier Gulf Presence

US military looking to increase defense ties with states around region

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Newser By Users

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