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February 12, 2024

Talks Resume on U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq; Defense Sec. Austin Transfers Power to Receive Care
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Talks have resumed in Iraq that could result in the withdrawal of U.S.
troops from Iraq more than 20 years after the 2003 U.S. invasion. The
United States currently has about 2,500 soldiers in Iraq and another 900
troops in Syria. Calls for the troops to withdraw have increased after
the U.S. carried out a number of deadly drone attacks on militia groups
in Baghdad.

In other military news, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been
hospitalized again. This time he's being treated in a critical care unit
for a bladder issue. On Sunday, he temporarily transferred power to his
deputy. Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December.


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