WASHINGTON - Barack Obama, a likely US presidential contender, has introduced legislation that would cap the number of American troops in Iraq, joining the debate over President George W Bush's new war strategy.
Speaking on the floor of the US Senate, Obama said today his plan would alsocall for the gradual redeployment of US troops from the region "within two to four months".
"This measure would stop the escalation of the war in Iraq," the Democratic senator said, adding that "it's my belief that simply opposing the surge is not enough."
Bush's announcement last week that he would deploy 21,500 additional troops to Iraq has sparked stiff opposition from Democrats, who took control of the Congress on January 4, as well as some politicians of his own Republican Party.
The plan to restrict US troop strength follows similar bills proposed by Democratic US senators Hillary Clinton and Chris Dodd - both also likely contenders for the 2008 presidential nomination.
