NEW : Der Spiegel says that al - Maliki will have to withdraw troops within 16 months . NEW : Al - Maliki 's spokesman says his statements were ` ` misunderstood '' Comments follow White House announcement of ` ` time horizon '' for withdrawal .
NEW : Der Spiegel says Nuri al-Maliki backs plan to withdraw troops within 16 months . NEW : Al-Maliki 's spokesman says his remarks were `` misunderstood '' Comments follow White House announcement of `` time horizon '' for withdrawal .