Source:
ReutersIraq wants the United States to supply several thousand trainers for its military but is unlikely to ask Washington to extend its troop presence beyond a year-end deadline, Iraqi security and political sources say.
The difference between troops and trainers, usually former soldiers and police contracted to the U.S. government, may be critical for Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as he deals with squabbling politicians and tries to appease constituents who want the Americans out.With less than six months to go on the 2008 security pact between the two countries, Maliki is having a hard time unifying his shaky cross-sectarian coalition government on whether Iraq needs to keep some U.S. troops more than eight years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
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"From the U.S. officials' point of view we would need 6,000 to 7,000 trainers and experts over the next five years. But we think we do not need more than 2,000 to 3,000," said the official, who is close to the talks with the United States.
more:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/18/us-iraq-politics-usa-idUSTRE76H2NS20110718
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