US Republicans have broadly welcomed president Barack Obama's plan to withdraw most troops from Iraq by 2010.

However, they said he should give credit to his predecessor for the stability brought by pouring extra troops into Iraq.

House Republican minority leader John Boehner described the plan as responsible but flexible.

Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki said his forces were capable of controlling security in Iraq after US troops leave.

Obama announced that the US "combat mission" would officially end by August 2010. However, up to 50,000 troops will stay until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests, he said.

Obama praised the progress on security but warned: "Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead."