Link: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ny-wodeve276051233feb27,0,5122233.story

President Barack Obama has told lawmakers he plans to pull troops out of Iraq by August 2010, congressional officials say. 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. Asked about the higher figure, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said, "That's a little higher than I would have anticipated." Said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.): "It has to be done responsibly, I agree. But 50,000 is more than I would have thought." Obama is expected to announce the new strategy today.