Top US officer comfortable with Iraq security deal
WASHINGTON – The nation's top military officer said Monday it probably would take two to three years for the United States to move all of its forces and military equipment out of Iraq.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Pentagon news conference that the withdrawal timetable would depend on numerous factors, including security conditions during the withdrawal.
There are about 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.
Mullen said he would carry out whatever directions he gets from President-elect Barack Obama after he is inaugurated on Jan. 20 and that he is prepared to give Obama his best military advice on Iraq and other topics.
Obama has said he wants U.S. forces to be out of Iraq within 16 months, although he has left open the possibility that some residual force might remain to pursue terrorist suspects or conduct other operations.
Mullen also said he feels comfortable with the terms of a security agreement with Iraq that would require U.S. forces to withdraw by the end of 2011.
The exact language of the accord has not been released publicly by the U.S. government.
"It is my understanding that the 2011 date (means) all American forces" must be out by then, Mullen said.
Mullen said he has consulted the top U.S. commanders in Iraq and they all believe the agreement allows enough time for the Iraqis to be ready to defend themselves. The Iraqi security forces have recently shown enormous improvement, he said.
"I would say if that improvement would continue at the pace we see right now, that they will be able to do that," he said, referring to the Iraqis providing their own defense without U.S. assistance.
The Iraqi Cabinet approved the security pact Sunday, meaning the political parties in Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's coalition government are expected to have similar success in securing parliamentary support. Parliament is scheduled to vote Nov. 24. If it is approved, President Jalal Talabani and his two deputies must ratify it.