Washington, Jan 13 (AFP/APP): Secretary of State Mike Pompeo alleged Monday that Iraqi leaders have told him privately they support the US troop presence, despite public appeals for them to leave. The Iraqi parliament last week voted to rescind the invitation to foreign troops after a US strike at the Baghdad airport killed a top general from Iran, which also has wide influence in the country. But Pompeo — whose State Department often insists it cannot divulge details of his calls — said he heard a different message in conversations with around 50 Iraqi leaders since the start of the month. “They won’t say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter terror campaign,” Pompeo said in response to a question at a forum at Stanford University. The US troops are ensuring that the group does not re-emerge and “providing an opportunity for the Iraqis to gain the sovereignty and independence that most Iraqis want,” Pompeo said. Pompeo — who shared the stage with a predecessor, Condoleezza Rice — said he spoke to leaders of all backgrounds in Iraq including the Shiite majority, which enjoys religious ties with Iran. The United … Continue reading Pompeo says Iraqi leaders privately want US troops