November 23, 2009

Oregon senators hopeful on Iraq

     SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley say they're hopeful that parliamentary elections will be held in Iraq in January and that U.S. combat forces can be withdrawn by August 2010.
     The Democratic senators, who are on a two-day trip to Iraq, offered that view Monday during a conference call with Oregon news reporters.
     After meeting with Iraqi officials, U.S. military commanders and some Oregon soldiers, Wyden said the election will be a huge step toward creating a legitimate Iraqi government.
     Merkley offered a similar assessment but said there are still large risks looming over Iraq and the nation's parliamentary election.
     All U.S. troops are scheduled to be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.