FARGO, N.D. - Senator Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot
sustain a long-term military presence in Iraq, but added that he would be open
to "refine my policies" about a timeline for withdrawing troops after meeting
with American military commanders during a trip to Iraq later this month.
Mr. Obama, whose popularity in the Democratic primary was built upon a sharp
opposition to the war and an often-touted 16-month gradual timetable for
removing combat troops, dismissed suggestions that he was changing positions in
the wake of reductions in violence in Iraq and a general election fight with
Senator John McCain.

"I've always said that the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability. That assessment has not changed," he said. "And when I go to Iraq and have a chance to talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I'm sure I'll have more information and will continue to refine my policies."

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