Iraq expects US response on security deal after November 4

Baghdad: Iraq expects a US response to proposed changes in a security agreement only after Tuesday's presidential election in the United States, a senior official said on Sunday.
"I think the American response on the pact will take some time because they are busy with the elections. I do not expect them to get back to us before November 4," said government spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh.

The war in Iraq has taken a backseat to the economy as Americans prepare to choose on Tuesday between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

However, the future of the 150,000 US troops in Iraq hangs in the balance as US and Iraqi officials struggle to conclude the pact.

Both countries are under pressure to conclude the agreement, which would allow US troops to stay in Iraq through 2011.