15,000 US Soldiers To Remain In Iraq After 2011?

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conducts an all-hands call with service members assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at the U.S. Division Center on Camp Liberty, Iraq, April 22, 2011. Mullen is visiting the Central Command area of operation to support a USO tour and visit counterparts and service members in the area. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Over 15,000 U.S. Servicemen To Remain In Iraq Beyond 2011 Deadline -- Xinhuanet

BAGHDAD, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi government is preparing to accept the presence of more than 15,000 U.S. servicemen in Iraq to protect the U.S. interests after the deadline of U.S. troops' pullout by the end of 2011, an Iraqi newspaper reported on Tuesday.

"The Iraqi government will arrange a special status that would allow more than 15,000 U.S. servicemen to stay in Iraq beyond the end of this year," al-Mashriq newspaper quoted well-informed sources as saying.

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More News On Iraq Hinting That They Will Need Help In Protecting Their Borders And Training their Military

Iraqi PM denies any arrangement for extension of U.S. troops so far -- Xinhuanet
Iraq lacking on border defence: Maliki -- AFP
Iraq's air force needs help beyond this year: Maliki -- Reuters
Global Insights: Decision Time for Iraq on U.S. Military Presence -- Richard Weitz, WPR
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,450 -- AP

My Comment: On one hand .... the Iraqi government says that they will want all US soldiers out by the end of 2011. On the other hand .... they confess that they need help to guard their borders, to train their soldiers, and to upgrade their air force.

My prediction .... 10,000 US soldiers will be left behind after the U.S. and Iraq have signed a new defense agreement .... probably this summer. And when signed .... there will be no cameras in the room.