The Iraqi government has authorized talks on keeping thousands of U.S. troops in Iraq beyond a withdrawal deadline at the end of the year. On Tuesday, the top U.S. military chief, Admiral Mike Mullen, said any agreement to extend the U.S. occupation will require the Iraqi government to grant U.S. soldiers full immunity.

Adm. Mike Mullen: “That kind of an agreement, which would include privileges and immunities for our American men and women in uniform, will need to go through the core. I believe they also understand that time is quickly running out for us to be able to consider any other course. My government has made it clear that we would entertain a request for some troops to stay.”