Comment on U.S. dismisses Iraq request to work on troop withdrawal plan

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s caretaker prime minister asked Washington to work out a road map for an American troop withdrawal, but the U.S. State Department on Friday bluntly rejected the request, saying the two sides should instead talk about how to “recommit” to their partnership. Thousands of anti-government protesters turned out in the capital and southern Iraq, many calling on both Iran and America to leave Iraq, reflecting their anger and frustration over the two rivals – both allies of Baghdad – trading blows on Iraqi soil. The request from Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi pointed to his determination to push ahead with demands for U.S.