Iraq says no

The Iraqi government has stood up for its self and denied the Americans and extensions on their June 30 deadline for removal of combat troops from Iraqi cities. According to the withdrawal agreement the US is to have all combat troops removed from cities by June 30 and all forces shall leave the country by the end of 2011. The extension request came about due to a recent recurrence of violence, specifically in the northern city of Mosul, and concern over whether the Iraqi security forces are ready to handle the security of these cities on their own. US combat troops were removed from cities back in 2005 and 2006 but returned during the troop surge of 2007 because the Iraqi security forces weren’t prepared to handle the violence, hopes are that they are better trained now. Only full combat troops will be removed, trainer and advisers will stay in the cities to help train security forces. The Iraqi prime minister decided that it would be best for both sides if they just stuck to the withdrawal plan because he needs to show that Iraq is headed towards stability and that his government is working and can protect its own people. In regards to the violence in northern Iraq, leaders believe that they will see a drop in violence once American troops withdrawal, since most of the violence it directed at US troops. This is a good call on the side of the Iraqi prime minister because it shows that he isn’t necessarily just a puppet for the Americans and its good for the Americans because most Americans have grown tired of the war and this is a good step towards ending their involvement.