Top US officer comfortable with Iraq security deal

The nation’s top military officer says he feels comfortable with the terms of a security agreement with Iraq that would require U.S. forces to withdraw by the end of 2011.
   
Adm. Mike Mullen told a news conference at the Pentagon on Monday that he has consulted the top U.S. commanders in Iraq and that they all believe the agreement allows enough time for the Iraqis to be ready to defend themselves.
   
The Iraqi Cabinet approved the pact Sunday, meaning the political parties in Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s coalition government are expected to have similar success in securing parliamentary support. Parliament is scheduled to vote Nov. 24. If it approves, President Jalal Talabani and his two deputies must ratify it.