Bush, Maliki discuss 'time-frame' for Iraq security transfer (AFP)

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have discussed a time-frame to transfer security from US forces to Iraqi troops and so be able to cut the number of American forces, the government spokesman said on Friday. The two leaders talked on Thursday evening via secured video link and discussed the growing abilities of Iraqi troops in managing security in the country, Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement. "They focused on having a time-frame for the complete transfer of security responsibility into the hands of the Iraqi forces in order to decrease the number of American forces in Iraq and later withdraw them," Dabbagh said. US-led forces have transferred security in 10 of the country's 18 provinces to the Iraqi forces. Iraqi leaders claim they can take over the security in the... [read full story]