U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Kear makes his way down a road after canal vegetation is set ablaze in Tahwilla, Iraq, on July 30, 2008. Extremists use the concealment provided by the canal system to place IED's under the cover of night. Kear is with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, assigned to Task Force 1-35 Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. DoD photo by Spc. David J. Marshall, U.S. Army. (Released)Iraq Warns Of Consequences Of Early U.S. Pullout -- Reuters
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's defense minister on Saturday warned of the dangers of withdrawing U.S. forces before the end of 2011, a date set with Washington in a security pact opposed by some lawmakers.
Defense Minister General Abdel Qader Jassim said withdrawing before that date would threaten Iraq's oil exports, enable neighboring countries to encroach on Iraqi territory and give free reign to foreign spies.
"The period of the timetabled withdrawal gives us enough time to complete our abilities -- training, combat and technical -- and secures us great support," Jassim told a news conference in Baghdad.
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More News On An Early U.S. Pullout From Iraq
Early US pullout will open way to piracy -- International Herald Tribune
Iraq warns of early U.S. pullout -- The Toronto Star