Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    November 15, 2011

US Officials Defend Troop Pullout From Iraq

   VOA News
   General Martin Dempsey (File Photo - June 10, 2011).
   Photo: AP
   General Martin Dempsey (File Photo - June 10, 2011).

   The top U.S. military officer says he is concerned about the future of
   Iraq after the withdrawal of U.S. forces, but agrees with President
   Barack Obama's decision to pull troops out of the country by the end of
   the year.
   General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
   testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday.
   U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also testified. He told the
   committee that he believes Iraq is equipped to deal with the challenges
   it faces, including attacks by extremists, conflict between political
   factions, and external defense.
   President Obama announced his troop withdrawal decision in October
   after negotiations with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Obama
   said he and Maliki agreed on the decision.
   Before the announcement, the possibility had remained that U.S. troops
   would extend their presence in the nation past the December 31 deadline
   set in 2008.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

   Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter
   and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page.

References

   1. http://twitter.com/VOAMiddleEast
   2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667?%20%20%20%20v=wall

.