Iraq's cabinet discussed changes to a security pact with the United States on Tuesday. According to Reuters, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said ministers were considering proposed amendments to the pact, which would allow U.S. troops to remain in the country until 2011.
After the meeting Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki "will be authorized to put forward the amendments, through his negotiating team, to the American side," Dabbagh said. The accord, which would provide a legal basis for the American presence in Iraq on Dec. 31, appeared to have reached a final version last week after months of intense bilateral negotiations.
Lawmakers loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr pledge to vote against the pact, while support will also be difficult for other Shiite parties that have strong ties with Iran, which strongly opposes the deal.
Meanwhile, Iraqi police said four officers have been killed and four others injured in a drive-by shooting in the city of Mosul. According to the AP, a police officer said unidentified gunmen opened fire on the eight off-duty policemen traveling in two civilian cars to work Tuesday morning.
In Baghdad, a police officer said nine people, including four policemen, have been wounded in two separate roadside bombs targeting police convoys.
