Nov 17 2008
Iraqis Agree To Extend US Presence
While we have attained much of a victory in Iraq, the focus now should be on protecting the victory and honoring the sacrifices made in attaining it. To do this the US and Iraqi governments need to plan out a transition phase to carefully reduce US forces towards the goal of having all US fighting forces out of Iraq under conditions which will maximize the potential future of our new Muslim-Arab allies in Iraq. Thankfully, President Bush (and to some extent in response to Obama’s election as the next POTUS) has accomplished one final victory in Iraq – the establishment of a long term agreement for a US presence in Iraq that will provide the environment to achieve withdrawal of US Forces from Iraq:
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The Iraqi cabinet has approved a security pact with the US governing the future presence of 150,000 US troops in the country, officials have said.
Under the deal, US troops will withdraw from the streets of Iraqi towns next year, leaving Iraq by the end of 2011.
The decision will need to go before Iraq’s parliament for a final vote.
The two countries have been negotiating a bilateral deal over the future of US military forces in Iraq after their UN mandate expires on 31 December 2008.
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The Iraqi Parliament, like all democratically elected bodies, will provide their inputs and wishes onto the agreement, but it should pass and provide America the necessary time to ensure Iraq remains a viable and stabilizing democracy in the volatile Middle East.
My guess is the Democrats are going to be so focused on domestic economic terms they will probably shy away from any dramatic moves in Iraq that go against the wishes of the Iraqis and would jeopardize the hard fought victory we have today. Of course, predicting liberal democrats will act with forethought and reason can be a risky endeavor, but the US economy will be such a drag on the Democrats’ support coming into the next round of federal elections in 2010 I am fairly certain they will realize taking on too much while the economy flounders will not be in their own best interest.
From the linked article:
“According to Mr Dabbagh, the agreement’s terms include:
* placing US forces in Iraq under the authority of the Iraqi government
* US forces to leave the streets of Iraq’s towns and villages by the middle of 2009
* US forces to hand over their bases to Iraq during the course of 2009
* US forces to lose the authority to raid Iraqi homes without an order from an Iraqi judge and permission of the government.”
I have to say – those first and last points really jumped out at me.
Does anyone understand what “under the authority of the Iraqi government” means? Patraeus is still in charge, isn’t he?
And does anyone know if contractors like Blackwater are bound to that last point? Or, for that matter – anything in this agreement? Would it be possible that we might just replace soldiers in “town and villages” with contractors?
I will be quite surprised if this clears the Iraqi parliament before Obama is sworn in. That body has a history of delay.
Screw em we should get out now.
God knows what deals the Obamanation has already set in place.
Without Military Sovereignity. Just a trap which will get good men Killed.
Who cares whether it clears the Iraqi, Us or any one elses mind
I only care about our folks leave now the hand writing is on the wall.
Obama could win this thing yet!
10 points Kathie ,
2 for Obama.