In Washington yesterday, there was confusion on the issue after U.S. Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman, testifying before Congress, initially said U.S. forces would leave Iraq if asked to do so by the new Iraqi government. Grossman later reversed himself and said an interim Iraqi government would not have that authority.
...The makeup of the provisional government that is due to take over in Iraq after 30 June is still being negotiated, and Bremer said he fully expects American forces to maintain a substantial presence in the country after that date.
But Bremer stressed that, as a matter of principle, America does not stay where it is not welcome. He said if the new interim government formally asks American troops to return home, they will do so.
Radio Free Europe article
...The makeup of the provisional government that is due to take over in Iraq after 30 June is still being negotiated, and Bremer said he fully expects American forces to maintain a substantial presence in the country after that date.
But Bremer stressed that, as a matter of principle, America does not stay where it is not welcome. He said if the new interim government formally asks American troops to return home, they will do so.
Number one: America is not welcome in Iraq now, but is staying. Of course, what Mr. Bremer meant to say was "welcome by whatever regime happens to be in power."
And, number two: There isn't much danger that the June 30 regime won't welcome the U.S. presence, as it's head and members are going to be approved by Washington.
....but hey, say what you want....you will anyway.
