Five more days until August 31st. With Iraq's security situation and the absence of a formal government, will the SOFA agreement be revised? Hopefully Not. Below are articles selected for review. Let's say a prayer that Iraq can get it's Shiite together. (kel)
For some in the region, these issues underscore the need for continued training of the Iraqi army. An editorial in the Jordan Times urging U.S. President Barack Obama to reconsider the drawdown notes that it "can only add fuel to the raging fire in Iraq," which could "lend support to the overall instability in the region." More specifically, there are worries that the absence of a coalition government could lead to civil war and an increase in Iranian meddling into Iraq (Haaretz).
Both Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have insisted that the withdrawal plans will not be altered. Obama has repeatedly asserted his commitment to the September 1 date, and U.S. officials say they expected an uptick in violence during the holy month of Ramadan, which just started, as al-Qaeda insurgents try to exploit the political vacuum (Reuters).
One reason for Obama's eagerness to hold to the deadline is the war in Afghanistan, for which the president authorized tens of thousands of new troops last fall. Gen. David Petraeus, who heads U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan, said the war there will take time and commitment (AP), and that if necessary he would be open to recommending against withdrawal of U.S. forces next summer as scheduled.
Iraq's military has indicated a preference for a continued strong U.S. presence. A top Iraqi military official, Lieutenant General Babaker Zerbari, said that his forces, particularly the air force, weren't prepared to take over and that "the U.S. army must stay until the Iraqi army is fully ready in 2020" (al-Jazeera).
There are reports that al-Qaeda is attempting to make a comeback (Guardian) by trying to persuade former Sunni allies to rejoin the group by paying more than the monthly salary they receive from the government. U.S. Brig. General Patrick M. Higgins has noted that though there has been a drop-off in foreign funding for the group, al-Qaeda in Iraq's "cellular structure" remains "pretty much intact" (WashPost).
Even as Washington works to fully implement the shift from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation New Dawn" on September 1, some senior military officials are acknowledging that the U.S. presence might last longer (VOA) than expected if Iraq's new government--when a government is finally formed--requests it. "We're obviously open to that discussion," says U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates. "But that initiative will have to come from the Iraqis." General Ray Odierno, the outgoing commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, has urged Congress to reconsider plans for next year's substantial cuts to the military and State Department budgets for Iraq (WashPost).
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There are reports that al-Qaeda is attempting to make a comeback (Guardian) by trying to persuade former Sunni allies to rejoin the group by paying more than the monthly salary they receive from the government. U.S. Brig. General Patrick M. Higgins has noted that though there has been a drop-off in foreign funding for the group, al-Qaeda in Iraq's "cellular structure" remains "pretty much intact" (WashPost).
Even as Washington works to fully implement the shift from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation New Dawn" on September 1, some senior military officials are acknowledging that the U.S. presence might last longer (VOA) than expected if Iraq's new government--when a government is finally formed--requests it. "We're obviously open to that discussion," says U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates. "But that initiative will have to come from the Iraqis." General Ray Odierno, the outgoing commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, has urged Congress to reconsider plans for next year's substantial cuts to the military and State Department budgets for Iraq (WashPost).
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Remarks by the President at Disabled Veterans of America Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 2, 2010
Now, one of those chapters is nearing an end. As a candidate for President, I pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Shortly after taking office, I announced our new strategy for Iraq and for a transition to full Iraqi responsibility. And I made it clear that by August 31st, 2010, America’s combat mission in Iraq would end. And that is exactly what we are doing -- as promised and on schedule.
Already, we have closed or turned over to Iraq hundreds of bases. We’re moving out millions of pieces of equipment in one of the largest logistics operations that we’ve seen in decades. By the end of this month, we’ll have brought more than 90,000 of our troops home from Iraq since I took office -- more than 90,000 have come home.
Today -- even as terrorists try to derail Iraq’s progress -- because of the sacrifices of our troops and their Iraqi partners, violence in Iraq continues to be near the lowest it’s been in years. And next month, we will change our military mission from combat to supporting and training Iraqi security forces. In fact, in many parts of the country, Iraqis have already taken the lead for security.
As agreed to with the Iraqi government, we will maintain a transitional force until we remove all our troops from Iraq by the end of next year.
And during this period, our forces will have a focused mission -- supporting and training Iraqi forces, partnering with Iraqis in counterterrorism missions, and protecting our civilian and military efforts. These are dangerous tasks. There are still those with bombs and bullets who will try to stop Iraq’s progress. And the hard truth is we have not seen the end of American sacrifice in Iraq.
But make no mistake: Our commitment in Iraq is changing -- from a military effort led by our troops to a civilian effort led by our diplomats. And as we mark the end of America’s combat mission in Iraq, a grateful America must pay tribute to all who served there.
Remember, our nation has had vigorous debates about the Iraq War. There are patriots who supported going to war, and patriots who opposed it. But there has never been any daylight between us when it comes to supporting the more than one million Americans in uniform who have served in Iraq -- far more than any conflict since Vietnam.
These men and women from across our country have done more than meet the challenges of this young century. Through their extraordinary courage and confidence and commitment, these troops and veterans have proven themselves as a new generation of American leaders. And while our country has sometimes been divided, they have fought together as one. While other individuals and institutions have shirked responsibility, they have welcomed responsibility. While it was easy to be daunted by overwhelming challenges, the generation that has served in Iraq has overcome every test before them.
They took to the skies and sped across deserts in the initial charge into Baghdad. And today we’re joined by an infantryman who was there as part of the 101st Airborne Division -- Sergeant Nicholas Bernardi is here.
When invasion gave way to insurgency, our troops persevered, block by block, city by city, from Baghdad to Fallujah. As a driver in a transportation company, this soldier endured constant attacks but never waivered in his mission -- and we thank Sergeant Dan Knabe. Thank you, Dan.
When terrorists and militias plunged Iraq into sectarian war, our troops adapted and adjusted -- restoring order and effectively defeating al Qaeda in Iraq on the battlefield. And among those who served in those pivotal days was a scout with the 1st Cavalry Division -- Specialist Matt Seidl. Matt.
For each of these men and women there are countless others. And we honor them all: Our young enlisted troops and noncommissioned officers who are the backbone of our military; the National Guardsmen and Reservists who served in unprecedented deployments; more women tested by combat than in any war in American history. Including a Marine here today -- Sergeant Patricia Ruiz. Patricia. I teased Patricia. I said she looks like she’s still in high school. But she’s a Marine.
And we salute the families back home. They too have sacrificed in this war. That’s why my wife, Michelle, and the Vice President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, have made it their mission to make sure America takes care of our remarkable military families, including our veterans.
Now, this summer, tens of thousands of our troops in Iraq are coming home. Last week, Vice President Biden was at Fort Drum to help welcome back members of the legendary 10th Mountain Division. Families are being reunited at bases across the country, from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to Fort Riley in Kansas to Fort Lewis in Washington. And in this season of homecomings, every American can show their gratitude to our patriots who served in Iraq.
read entire speech @ http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-disabled-veterans-america-conference-atlanta-georgia
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Excerpts ~ Status of Forces Agreement
Article 25
Measures to Terminate the Application of Chapter VII to Iraq Acknowledging the right of the Government of Iraq not to request renewal of the Chapter VII authorization for and mandate of the multinational forces contained in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1790 (2007) that ends on December 31, 2008;
Taking note of the letters to the UN Security Council from the Prime Minister of Iraq and the Secretary of State of the United States dated December 7 and December 10, 2007, respectively, which are annexed to Resolution 1790;
Taking note of section 3 of the Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship, signed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Iraq on November 26, 2007, which memorialized Iraq’s call for extension of the above-mentioned mandate for a final period, to end not later than December 31, 2008:
Recognizing also the dramatic and positive developments in Iraq, and noting that the situation in Iraq is fundamentally different than that which existed when the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 661 in 1990, and in particular that the threat to international peace and security posed by the Government of Iraq no longer exists, the Parties affirm in this regard that with the termination on December 31, 2008 of the Chapter VII mandate and authorization for the multinational force contained in Resolution 1790, Iraq should return to the legal and international standing that it enjoyed prior to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 661 (1990), and that the United States shall use its best efforts to help Iraq take the steps necessary to achieve this by December 31, 2008.
Article 26
Iraqi Assets
1. To enable Iraq to continue to develop its national economy through the rehabilitation of its economic infrastructure, as well as providing necessary essential services to the Iraqi people, and to continue to safeguard Iraq’s revenues from oil and gas and other Iraqi resources and its financial and economic assets located abroad, including the Development Fund for Iraq, the United States shall ensure maximum efforts to:
a. Support Iraq to obtain forgiveness of international debt resulting from the policies of the former regime.
b. Support Iraq to achieve a comprehensive and final resolution of outstanding reparation claims inherited from the previous regime, including compensation requirements imposed by the UN Security Council on Iraq.
2. Recognizing and understanding Iraq’s concern with claims based on actions perpetrated by the former regime, the President of the United States has exercised his authority to protect from United States judicial process the Development Fund for Iraq and certain other property in which Iraq has an interest. The United States shall remain fully and actively engaged with the Government of Iraq with respect to continuation of such protections and with respect to such claims.
3. Consistent with a letter from the President of the United States to be sent to the Prime Minister of Iraq, the United States remains committed to assist Iraq in connection with its request that the UN Security Council extend the protections and other arrangements established in Resolution 1483 (2003) and Resolution 1546 (2003) for petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas originating in Iraq, proceeds and obligations from sale thereof, and the Development Fund for Iraq.
Article 27
Excerpts ~ Status of Forces Agreement
Article 25
Measures to Terminate the Application of Chapter VII to Iraq Acknowledging the right of the Government of Iraq not to request renewal of the Chapter VII authorization for and mandate of the multinational forces contained in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1790 (2007) that ends on December 31, 2008;
Taking note of the letters to the UN Security Council from the Prime Minister of Iraq and the Secretary of State of the United States dated December 7 and December 10, 2007, respectively, which are annexed to Resolution 1790;
Taking note of section 3 of the Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship, signed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Iraq on November 26, 2007, which memorialized Iraq’s call for extension of the above-mentioned mandate for a final period, to end not later than December 31, 2008:
Recognizing also the dramatic and positive developments in Iraq, and noting that the situation in Iraq is fundamentally different than that which existed when the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 661 in 1990, and in particular that the threat to international peace and security posed by the Government of Iraq no longer exists, the Parties affirm in this regard that with the termination on December 31, 2008 of the Chapter VII mandate and authorization for the multinational force contained in Resolution 1790, Iraq should return to the legal and international standing that it enjoyed prior to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 661 (1990), and that the United States shall use its best efforts to help Iraq take the steps necessary to achieve this by December 31, 2008.
Article 26
Iraqi Assets
1. To enable Iraq to continue to develop its national economy through the rehabilitation of its economic infrastructure, as well as providing necessary essential services to the Iraqi people, and to continue to safeguard Iraq’s revenues from oil and gas and other Iraqi resources and its financial and economic assets located abroad, including the Development Fund for Iraq, the United States shall ensure maximum efforts to:
a. Support Iraq to obtain forgiveness of international debt resulting from the policies of the former regime.
b. Support Iraq to achieve a comprehensive and final resolution of outstanding reparation claims inherited from the previous regime, including compensation requirements imposed by the UN Security Council on Iraq.
2. Recognizing and understanding Iraq’s concern with claims based on actions perpetrated by the former regime, the President of the United States has exercised his authority to protect from United States judicial process the Development Fund for Iraq and certain other property in which Iraq has an interest. The United States shall remain fully and actively engaged with the Government of Iraq with respect to continuation of such protections and with respect to such claims.
3. Consistent with a letter from the President of the United States to be sent to the Prime Minister of Iraq, the United States remains committed to assist Iraq in connection with its request that the UN Security Council extend the protections and other arrangements established in Resolution 1483 (2003) and Resolution 1546 (2003) for petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas originating in Iraq, proceeds and obligations from sale thereof, and the Development Fund for Iraq.
Article 27
Deterrence of Security Threats
In order to strengthen security and stability in Iraq and to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and stability, the Parties shall work actively to strengthen the political and military capabilities of the Republic of Iraq to deter threats against its sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and its constitutional federal democratic system. To that end, the Parties agree as follows:
In the event of any external or internal threat or aggression against Iraq that would violate its sovereignty, political independence, or territorial integrity, waters, airspace, its democratic system or its elected institutions, and upon request by the Government of Iraq, the Parties shall immediately initiate strategic deliberations and, as may be mutually agreed, the United States shall take appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, or military measures, or any other measure, to deter such a threat.
The Parties agree to continue close cooperation in strengthening and maintaining military and security institutions and democratic political institutions in Iraq, including, as may be mutually agreed, cooperation in training, equipping, and arming the Iraqi Security Forces, in order to combat domestic and international terrorism and outlaw groups, upon request by the Government of Iraq.
Iraqi land, sea, and air shall not be used as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries.
Article 29
In the event of any external or internal threat or aggression against Iraq that would violate its sovereignty, political independence, or territorial integrity, waters, airspace, its democratic system or its elected institutions, and upon request by the Government of Iraq, the Parties shall immediately initiate strategic deliberations and, as may be mutually agreed, the United States shall take appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, or military measures, or any other measure, to deter such a threat.
The Parties agree to continue close cooperation in strengthening and maintaining military and security institutions and democratic political institutions in Iraq, including, as may be mutually agreed, cooperation in training, equipping, and arming the Iraqi Security Forces, in order to combat domestic and international terrorism and outlaw groups, upon request by the Government of Iraq.
Iraqi land, sea, and air shall not be used as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries.
Article 29
Implementing Mechanisms
Whenever the need arises, the Parties shall establish appropriate mechanisms for implementation of Articles of this Agreement, including those that do not contain specificimplementation mechanisms.
Article 30
The Period for which the Agreement is Effective
1. This Agreement shall be effective for a period of three years, unless terminated sooner by either Party pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article.
2. This Agreement shall be amended only with the official agreement of the Parties in writing and in accordance with the constitutional procedures in effect in both countries.
3. This Agreement shall terminate one year after a Party provides written notification to the other Party to that effect.
4. This Agreement shall enter into force on January 1, 2009, following an
Agreement into force in accordance with each Party’s respective constitutional procedures have been completed.
Signed in duplicate in Baghdad on this 17th day of November, 2008, in the English and Arabic languages, each text being equally authentic.
FOR THE UNITED FOR THE
STATES OF AMERICA:
REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
4. This Agreement shall enter into force on January 1, 2009, following an
Agreement into force in accordance with each Party’s respective constitutional procedures have been completed.
Signed in duplicate in Baghdad on this 17th day of November, 2008, in the English and Arabic languages, each text being equally authentic.
FOR THE UNITED FOR THE
STATES OF AMERICA:
REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/20081119_SOFA_FINAL_AGREED_TEXT.pdf
President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement ...
