Iraq Pullout on Target: Obama, Maliki

Obama plays down Iraqi limits on US forces as 'differences in strategy'

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2009 4:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama met with Nouri al-Maliki today and vowed to keep to his timetable that has all US forces out of Iraq by 2011, the Washington Post reports. The Iraqi prime minister said that his country’s security forces are now “highly capable” of handling the threat posed by insurgents—what Iraq needs now, Maliki said, is economic aid and foreign investment.

Obama glossed over complaints by US commanders that the Iraqi military has been limiting the movements of US forces as “differences in strategy.” The president urged Maliki to make sure that the Iraqi government serves all its ethnic and religious groups. The US, Obama said, “continues to support efforts to integrate all Iraqis into Iraq's government and security forces."

President Obama walks away with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki after a joint news conference. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki make joint statements. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki adjusts his tie during his joint news conference with President Obama Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Iraq Pullout on Target: Obama, Maliki

Obama plays down Iraqi limits on US forces as 'differences in strategy'

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Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

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Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

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

The Big Question: Should 10K US Troops Stay in Iraq?

Iraqi officials worry longer US presence could spur sectarian violence

Iraqi PM: US Troops Must Get Out by End of 2011

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Iraq Pullout on Target: Obama, Maliki

Obama plays down Iraqi limits on US forces as 'differences in strategy'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Barack Obama • Nouri al-Maliki • troop withdrawal • prime minister • Iraq war • Obama administration • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Obama Beefs Up Foreign Policy Cred in Iraq

Maliki's endorsement of withdrawal timetable a stroke of luck

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

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

The Big Question: Should 10K US Troops Stay in Iraq?

Iraqi officials worry longer US presence could spur sectarian violence

Iraqi PM: US Troops Must Get Out by End of 2011

Maliki vows new government won't team up with Iran

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