Iraqi Official Hopes for US Troop Pullout by 2010

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi government spokesman is hopeful that American combat forces could be out of the country by 2010.

Ali al-Dabbagh made the comments following a meeting at Baghdad today between Prime Minister Maliki and Senator Obama, who arrived in Iraq earlier in the day.

The timeframe is similar to Mr. Obama's proposal to pull back combat troops within 16 months. The Iraqi government has been trying to clarify its position on a possible troop withdrawal since Mr. Maliki was quoted in a German magazine last week saying he supported Mr. Obama's timetable.

The Iraqi government later said the prime minister's remarks were misinterpreted.Iraqi officials hopes for US troop pullout by 2010