US troops to leave Iraq by 2011

Iraq and the United States have agreed a deal to see American forces leave by 2011. US troops will end their patrols of Iraqi towns and villages by next summer, and withdraw from the country altogether two years later.

“The Iraqi government has today overwhelmingly approved a deal for the withdrawal of American forces from our country,” said Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh. “The government is determined that this pact will safeguard the sovereignty of the country, and the interests and rights of all Iraqis.”

US-led forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein. The resulting chaos made Iraq one of the most dangerous places on earth, but US commanders believe improved security means Iraqi can now take more control of its destiny.

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