BAGHDAD (AP) - Democrat Barack Obama is gaining fresh support from Iraqi leaders for the idea of pulling all U.S. combat forces out of the war zone by 2010.

But the Iraqis stop short of actual timetables or endorsement of Obama's pledge to withdraw American troops within 16 months if he wins the presidency. Obama held face-to-face meetings with the leaders today.

Iraq's Sunni vice president says a 2010 withdrawal plan could be revised depending on threats and the pace of training for Iraqi security forces.

The White House is unhappy with the Iraqi leaders' apparent public backing for Obama's withdrawal plans. A spokeswoman suggests the Iraqis may be trying to use the U.S. presidential election as leverage for negotiations on America's presence and future obligations in the country.

Obama also got a military briefing -- and a helicopter tour -- today from the top U.S. commander in the region. He also met with some of the troops.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)