The Iraqi government has given the US a deadline for the end of this month to reach an agreement that would keep US troops in Iraq. Talks have stalled after the Iraqi cabinet submitted a revised list of demands. Iraq is seeking a fixed timetable for the withdrawal of US troops instead of a flexible goal sought by the White House. Iraq wants to inspect incoming US military shipments and obtain a US pledge not to use Iraq as a staging ground for attacking other Middle East nations. The Iraqis are also insisting on greater legal authority over US troops accused of crimes inside Iraq. In an interview with the Washington Post, Iraqi government spokesperson Ali al-Dabbagh said, “Iraqis would like to know and see a fixed date.” He went on to say Iraq wants to avoid a new UN mandate for US troops at all costs, because UN backing “gives them a free hand in everything.”