Iraq expects US troops to stay in Obama era

TROOP NUMBERS: Iraq said on Wednesday it does not expect a quick disengagement of US soldiers following Barack Obama's election victory. (Getty Images)

Iraq on Wednesday ruled out a "quick disengagement" policy by Washington in the country following Barack Obama's victory, dispelling hopes of many Iraqis of a rapid withdrawal of US troops.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari welcomed the election of Democrat Obama and said he did not expect an "overnight" change in US policy in war-torn Iraq.

"There won't be quick disengagement here. A great deal is at stake," Zebari told AFP. "We don't think there will be change in policy overnight."

He said Baghdad would respect the will of the American voters and that it was looking for a "successful partnership" with Obama.

"But there are many upcoming challenges," Zebari cautioned.

Obama promised during his campaigning to withdraw US forces from Iraq over a period of 16 months from when he takes over the White House in January 2009.

In a separate statement, the Iraqi government said it would cooperate "sincerely" with Obama to achieve the joint interests of the two countries.

"The Iraqi government welcomes and respects the choice of the American people in electing senator Barack Obama as president of America," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in the statement.

The government has "sincere" desire to cooperate with the elected president "in order to achieve the joint interest of the two sides, preserve the security and stability of Iraq, maintain full sovereignty of Iraq and protect the interests of its people."

Many Iraqis after Obama's electoral victory was announced on Wednesday called on the president-elect to make good his promise and ensure the rapid withdrawal of the 145,000-strong American force from the violence-wracked country.

"The most important thing for Iraq is the withdrawal of American forces and Obama has called for this," said Mohammed Abdel, a taxi driver from Baghdad's central Karrada district.

"It is because of them that we are stuck in traffic jams and arrive at work late. If they get out, things will be normal here," he said as a passing US military patrol halted traffic at a key intersection in Karrada.

Maitham Muhammed, 19, a university student, said Iraqis and Americans want the same thing - "withdrawal of troops."

"Obama's victory is victory for America and somehow for Iraq. He won the support of the majority of the American voters who want the withdrawal of forces from Iraq. We also want this."

Another Iraqi, Abu Dargham, said he liked Obama's "open mind" approach to policies.

"He will talk to everybody, including Iran. He will withdraw the forces."

The movement of Iraq's anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr welcomed Obama's victory.

"We consider his victory as a wish of the American public to withdraw forces from Iraq. This is what we are looking for," said sheikh Saleh al-Obeidi, Sadr's spokesman in the holy city of Najaf.

Sadr has been the strongest opponent of American forces in Iraq and launched two rebellions in 2004 against them in Najaf.

Lawmaker Jalaluddin Saghir from the powerful Shiite Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council said Obama would be under less pressure from the US Congress but his "approach towards Iraq would be less enthusiastic than (George W.) Bush."

"However he does represent some good things like plans to hold dialogue with neighbouring countries such as Iran and Syria. This will lead to positive steps that will serve Iraq's interests."

Kurdish lawmaker Mahmud Otham hoped Obama would carefully study the situation in Iraq.

"I supported Obama and I hope his victory will be a good result for the US and for Iraq," he said.

"He has to analyse what has happened in Iraq and I hope he will be able to do so with the participation of the Iraqi government."

Baghdad small-time trader Musa Mohammed was more pragmatic. "Obama or McCain, how does it matter? All I want is a good road to my house," he said.

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