PENTAGON: TROOPS MAY STAY IN IRAQ...IF ASKED...

The United States is open to the idea of keeping troops in Iraq past a deadline to leave next year if Iraq asks for it, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday.

"We'll stand by," Gates said. "We're ready to have that discussion if and when they want to raise it with us."

Gates said he has not spoken directly to any of the political leaders, but other U.S. officials, including Vice President Joe Biden, have been heavily engaged.

Gates predicted that a new government would need some time before asking the U.S. to extend the troop plan.

Although the 2011 deadline was a point of pride for Iraq after years of U.S. military occupation, it does not leave much time for the U.S. to train Iraq's fledgling air force. Iraq also wants more U.S. help to protect its borders.  . Click Here for more info.
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PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS:
THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!!
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