MOSUL MESSAGE - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks with soldiers and airmen during a trip to Mosul, Iraq, Apr.il 8, 2011. Gates met with the U.S. and Iraqi leaders and U.S. troops while there. He also held discussions with the troops while taking photos and giving coins to them. The troops are assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry MorrisonGates: U.S. Troops Could Stay In Iraq For Years -- Stars And Stripes
MOSUL, Iraq — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said U.S. troops could remain in Iraq for years to come.
It would depend, he said, on what the Iraqis want and what Washington is willing to give.
Gates met soldiers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in Mosul, where — like the troops Gates met one day earlier in Baghdad — they asked if they would actually be staying beyond 2011, and if so, for how long.
Read more ....
More News On US Soldiers Staying In Iraq Past The Deadline Date Of Leaving
Gates: US troops could remain in Iraq after 2011 -- Seattle Times/AP
Gates says Iraq to decide on post-2011 US troops -- AFP
Gates: US troops could remain in Iraq after 2011 -- AP
U.S. pushes Iraq to decide on troop extension -- Reuters
Robert Gates: US Iraq troops 'could stay longer' -- BBC
Iraqi Deputy Says U.S. Wants To Maintain Troop Presence -- Radio Free Europe
My Comment: It looks like there will be a US military presence in Iraq after the end of this year.