Iraqi Officials Are Calling For Reduced American Role

BAGHDAD, Iraq — High-level negotiations over the future role of the American military in Iraq have turned into an increasingly acrimonious public debate, with Iraqi politicians denouncing what they say are American demands to maintain nearly 60 bases in their country indefinitely.

Top Iraqi officials are calling for a radical reduction of the American military's role here after the United Nations mandate authorizing its presence expires at the end of this year. Encouraged by recent Iraqi military successes, government officials have said that America should agree to confine American troops to military bases unless the Iraqis ask for their assistance, with some saying perhaps Iraq would be better off without them.

The willingness to consider calling for the departure of American troops represents a major shift for members of the American-backed government. Mr. Maliki this week visited Iran, where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged him to reject any longterm security arrangements with America.

Failing to reach agreements this year authorizing the future presence of American forces in Iraq would be a strategic setback for the Bush administration, which says that such a presence is essential to promote stability.