Members of the Iraqi security force patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 30, 2009. U.S. military personnel began withdrawing from Iraqi cities on today in the first step toward pulling out of Iraq. (UPI photo/Ali Jasim) U.S.: No SOFA Extension Request From Iraq -- UPI
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- To date, there hasn't been a formal request by the Iraqi government to keep U.S. forces stationed there beyond a mandatory deadline, the State Department said.
U.S. military forces under the terms of a bilateral status of forces agreement signed in 2008 are obligated to leave the country by Dec. 31.
Baghdad announced it temporarily closed its international airport Tuesday because of a potential safety threat. U.S. troops haven't turned over security of Iraqi airspace completely to the Iraqi government.
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My Comment: Iraq's PM has made it very clear that ALL U.S. military forces will be out of the country by years end. He made this announcement to Press TV, an Iranian based news agency. Hmmmm .... this gives me a clear picture on who is now calling the shots in Iraq.