Obama tells lawmakers that troops will leave Iraq

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Congressional officials say President Barack Obama has told lawmakers he plans to pull troops out of Iraq by August 2010.

His plan would leave behind 35,000 to 40,000 troops — possibly as many as 50,000 — to advise Iraqi troops and protect U.S. interests.

The officials disclosed Obama’s plans after a meeting at the White House. Obama is expected to announce the new strategy on Friday.