Military told to plan for Iraq drawdown

US President Barack Obama told military leaders to make additional arrangements to execute a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

On his first day in office the new President met with military and national security advisers to discuss the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"During the discussion, I asked the military leadership to engage in additional planning necessary to execute a responsible military drawdown from Iraq," Mr Obama said in a statement after the meeting. Pulling US troops out of Iraq was a cornerstone of Mr Obama's campaign for the Presidency, during which the war was a top concern of voters until it was eclipsed by the economy.

He said the meeting was productive and he would consult with the military leaders at the Pentagon in the coming days and weeks to discuss the issues further.

"We will undertake a full review of the situation in Afghanistan in order to develop a comprehensive policy for the entire region," he said.