BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi government is pressing ahead with plans to hold a national referendum on the Iraqi-American security agreement -- a measure likely to lose if put to a popular vote with the outcome that American troops could be forced to leave as early as next summer, nearly a year and half ahead of schedule.

 

Under the security plan agreed to by the two governments last year, American combat troops must withdraw from the cities by the end of this month and all American troops must be out of Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011.

Are you confused yet?  According to a Bush/Iraq deal, all combat troops out by Dec 31, 2011, and now, if this new referendum is passed our combat troops have to leave in the summer of 2010.

Excuse me?  I thought President Obama already declared August of 2010 as the date that ALL combat troops would be out of Iraq?

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Before 2,000 Marines here on Friday, President Obama announced that the United States combat presence in Iraq will end in August 2010 after about 90,000 troops are withdrawn.

"Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31st, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama said to applause from the Marines.

The president said he plans to leave a force of 35,000 to 50,000 to advise Iraqi security forces, conduct counter-terrorism missions and protect U.S. personnel. The drawdown should signal to Iraqis that they are responsible for their country's future, he said.

So what are they saying here?  Are they saying that unless the referendum passes, our combat troops will have to stay till Dec 31, 2011 because the U.S. (Bush admin) signed off on that deal?