The Arizonan downplayed reports that Iraqi officials are increasing pressure on the U.S. to agree to a specific timeline to withdraw its forces, says al-Maliki would only ask troops to leave if the situation warranted it.
Says in Pittsburgh Tuesday: "I know for a fact that it will be dictated by the situation on the ground, as it always has been."
Also makes an off-the-cuff joke about an increase in cigarette exports to Iran."Maybe that's a way of killing them." He quickly followed up that it was a joke.
TIME's Hauslohner: Has Maliki Turned on the US?
