A long-expected deal to reduce U.S. troop presence in Iraq will likely be announced next week, two administration officials said Friday. The agreement with Iraq, which would reduce American troops in the country,

The agreement keeps alive the possibility that a small contingent of U.S. forces might stay in Iraq indefinitely.

The U.S. expects to announce next week a long-awaited agreement with Iraq on reducing the U.S. troop presence in the country, two administration officials said on Friday. Negotiations over the plan, which Iraqi officials have said publicly would lead to the 2,

American leaders should reject any form of mission creep in the Middle East – including state building and countering Iranian influence in Iraq.

The U.S. and Iraq have a tentative deal to begin the withdrawal of most troops, leaving only a small force to guard against Iranian-backed militias.

The agreement keeps alive the possibility that a small contingent of U.S. forces might stay in Iraq indefinitely.

The U.S. government is expected to announce a troop reduction in Iraq shortly, two administration officials said on Friday. Negotiations between the Pentagon and Iraqi leaders have gone on for several months,