Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has told the top U.S. commander that Iraqi troops are prepared to maintain security in the country. A statement on the Prime Minister's website late yesterday said he told Admiral Mike Mullen during their meeting in Baghdad that Iraqi troops are able to take responsibility. The United States is scheduled to withdraw all of its remaining troops in Iraq by the end of the year. But military officials have said they would be willing to maintain a military presence if the Iraqi government requests it. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports U.S. and Iraqi officials are in talks about keeping some 10,000 American troops in Iraqi past the deadline. The report, published today, says U.S. officials in Iraq believe that a sizeable U.S. presence will help bolster Iraqi security and will prevent Iran from exerting its influence in the country. There are currently fewer than 50,000 U.S. troops in Iraq serving in a mostly advisory role.