Iraq's political leaders announced on Tuesday that American troops may remain in Iraq next year, however, any remaining troops would no longer be granted immunity from Iraqi law.
The move is expected to be welcomed by the Iraqi public, who have long protested against perceived impunity granted to US troops particularly after the Abu Ghraib affair.
US officials have previously said such a decision by the Iraqis would end American support for the training of Iraqi troops.
An official for the United States Embassy in Iraq said the Americans were reviewing the statement and “appreciate the democratic spirit displayed by Iraqi leaders in debating this important subject."
Military troops are not the only American citizens the US government must worry about. According to a report in the New York Times, the US government has secretly removed American civilian contractors from Iraq when accused of crimes.
