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Hopes, No Dates, for US Withdrawal From Iraq

Jeff Seldin

   WASHINGTON - Improved performance by Iraqi military forces is allowing
   the United States and Iraq to look ahead to the day when U.S. forces
   will no longer be needed to help Baghdad stave off the threat from the
   Islamic State terror group and its remnants.

   In a communique issued Wednesday following virtual talks between U.S.
   Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad
   Hussein, the two countries agreed to embark on technical talks aimed at
   establishing a timeline for U.S. combat troops to leave.

   "The mission of U.S. and Coalition forces has now transitioned to one
   focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the
   redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq," the communique
   stated, pointing to the "increasing capacity" of the Iraqi security
   forces.

   In a tweet late Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi
   described the talks with Washington as a "gateway to restore the normal
   situation in Iraq" and said the Iraqi people deserve to live without
   fear of conflict.