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WASHINGTON: The top US general in Iraq has returned to Washington to reconfirm his plan to withdraw 30,000 troops in July.
General David Petraeus, however, is also recommending a 45-day evaluation period after July, before making further plans.
Senator Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the top general's recommendation sounded far too open-ended.
During the hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a protester interrupted the session, shouting "Bring them home! Bring them home!"
Republican presidential candidate John McCain warned that listening to such call would be a big mistake.
"I do not want to keep our troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there. Our goal, my goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops. And I believe we can achieve that goal, perhaps sooner than many imagine. But I also believe that the promise of withdrawal of our forces, regardless of the consequences would constitute a failure of political and moral leadership," he said.
Senator Hillary Clinton rejected his idea, citing the huge financial and military burden to America and the cost in human lives.
"You know the lack of political progress over the last six months and the recent conflict in Basra reflect how tenuous the situation in Iraqi really is," she said.
Senator Clinton and Senator Barack Obama advocated withdrawal.
But according to US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, Al-Qaeda and Iran would benefit from an early withdrawal.
"Spiralling conflict could draw in neighbours with devastating consequences for the region and the world," he said.
Ambassador Crocker said he is now working on a new "strategic framework" agreement with the Iraqis to define America's role from 2009. - CNA/ac
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