Prometheus 6

Iraqi, U.S. Officials Talk of Withdrawal
Authorities signal that foreign troops could start pulling out in the next two years.
By Paul Richter and John Daniszewski
Times Staff Writers
November 15, 2005

WASHINGTON — Despite President Bush's effort to halt such talk, top Iraqi and American officials continue to suggest that U.S. and British troops in Iraq could begin substantial withdrawals as soon as next year.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on a British TV program over the weekend that Iraqi forces might be ready to replace British troops by the end of next year. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, have also predicted recently that a substantial troop reduction could begin in 2006.

As U.S. public support for the war has declined in recent months, Democrats have become bolder in criticizing the war, and some Republicans are worried that discontent about the conflict could cost the GOP congressional seats next year.

On Monday, the Senate began debate on measures that would, for the first time, ask Bush to set limits for keeping troops in Iraq, Bloomberg News reported.

One measure is sponsored by Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee and fellow Republican Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia, and another is backed by Democratic Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada and Carl Levin of Michigan. Both would require the White House to make periodic reports to lawmakers on the military situation in Iraq. Votes could come today.