ThePlayDrive
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BBC reported a different account of what happened:The title of this thread is slightly misleading. The Obama administration requested to stay, but were denied. We aren't "pulling" out. We were "kicked" out. However, this slight, but important nuance doesn't stop Obama from cashing in on an opportunity and pulling the wool over the eyes of his supporters.
Iraq rejects US request to maintain bases after troop withdrawal | World news | guardian.co.uk
What a snake oil salesman.
Iraqi leaders had wanted 5,000 US troops to remain in a training capacity. But those trainers would not have received immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law.
The Pentagon refused to accept that condition, with Defence Secretary Leon Panetta insisting that "we protect and provide the appropriate immunity for our soldiers".
The decision to pull out all US troops suggests no deal could be reached, despite Iraq's desire for continued access to US military expertise, correspondents say.
BBC News - Barack Obama: All US troops to leave Iraq in 2011
It sounds to me like Obama considered staying (which does bother me), but didn't for whatever reason. Regardless, I'm happy and I could really care less why we're leaving.