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US 'likely' to keep troops in Iraq after 2011
Agence France Presse reports that experts and former officers are saying the United States likely will keep thousands of troops in Iraq beyond 2011. US officials privately acknowledge that the US military presence in Iraq will almost certainly be extended, even though a security agreement in force requires all US forces to depart by the end of 2011.
But analysts say the US military will stay in Iraq not only for technical tasks to assist the Iraqi armed forces, but also to be what they describe as being a reassuring presence for Iraqis fearing a revival of sectarian and ethnic bloodshed.
Baghdad's military remains heavily dependent on US logistical support, air power, equipment and expertise, while most Baghdad politicians are anxious to retain American troops as a peacekeeping force in reserve.
Nearly 50,000 US troops are now in Iraq under a so-called "advise and assist" role, after President Barack Obama declared a formal end to the US combat mission.