US officials redraw Iraqi troops training plan:
US officials are redrawing a 2012 military training plan for Iraqi troops after Iraq's leaders announced they would not grant immunity to troops who remain after the December 31 deadline for withdrawal, The Washington Post reported Sunday. Ref. Source 1
The United States will withdraw almost all its troops from Iraq by the end of the year, as a current agreement with Iraq dictates, a U.S. Official told CNN on Friday.
Only about 150 troops, a negligible force, will remain to assist in arms sales.
The United States had expected that some of the roughly 40,000 Americans in Iraq would remain there to aid in training and security. But the two nations were unable to reach a deal on a key issue regarding legal immunity for U.S. Troops, a senior U.S. Military official with direct knowledge of the discussions told CNN this month.
President Obama will make a statement about the U.S. Involvement in Iraq at 12:45 p.m. ET. Watch live coverage of the president and analysis from Wolf Blitzer, John King and Gloria Borger on CNN-TV.
Thousand of families must be celebrating now and I feel sorry for the unfortunate 150 that have to stay there for the sake of arm sales and probably observation.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
US soldiers leave legacy of rap music
After more than eight years in Iraq, the departing American military's legacy includes a fledgling democracy, bitter memories of war, and for the nation's youth, rap music, tattoos and slang. Ref. Source 6