BAGHDAD (AP) -- The Associated Press has learned that the Obama
administration is abandoning plans to keep U.S. troops in Iraq past
a year-end withdrawal deadline.
A senior administration official in Washington confirmed
Saturday that all American troops will leave except for about 160
troops attached to the U.S. Embassy. The Pentagon had considered
leaving up to 5,000 troops to train security forces and hinder
Iranian influence.
A senior U.S. military official said the withdrawal could allow
future, limited U.S. military training missions if requested.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the
sensitivity of the issue.
Iraqi political leaders have rejected giving legal immunity to
U.S. troops -- a deal-breaker to Washington.