Article

2008-06-16 Iraq

Iraqis Not Following D.C. Timetable for Pact

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Posted by Bobby 2008-06-16 06:17|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 Another reason the Iraqis believe it will take some time to complete a pact is that they are under the control of Iran, who doesn't want any US forces in Iraq at all, and short of that will use its influence to hobble them as much as possible.

Posted by gromky 2008-06-16 08:21|| 2008-06-16 08:21|| Front Page Top

#2 gromky, citations please.

Posted by OldSpook 2008-06-16 08:57|| 2008-06-16 08:57|| Front Page Top

#3 the iraqi govt is vulnerable to the charge from domestic enemies of giving away sovereignty - so in particular they have to insist that American troops cant launch ops without Iraqi govt permission. This is reasonable.

The US military, reasonably, doesnt want to have to check in with a committee whenever they launch an op, esp one that moves frustratingly slowly.

Methinks a solution will be arrived at, and it will satisfy no one.

Posted by liberalhawk 2008-06-16 09:03|| 2008-06-16 09:03|| Front Page Top

#4 Although the United States has agreements around the world with countries about the behavior of American soldiers stationed on foreign soil, including those with many American troops, like South Korea, Japan and Germany, none involve soldiers carrying out active combat operations.

That's because, at this point, Iraq is not South Korea, Japan and Germany. When the Iraqis reach stability, as are South Korea, Japan and Germany, then an appropriate SoFA can be inked.

Posted by Pappy 2008-06-16 09:04|| 2008-06-16 09:04|| Front Page Top

#5 note - esp a COMMITTEE that moves slowly, not an op that moves slowly

Posted by liberalhawk 2008-06-16 09:04|| 2008-06-16 09:04|| Front Page Top

#6 A committee pisses off everyone and pleases nobody. And it is that way by design. Checks and balances.

Posted by DarthVader">DarthVader 2008-06-16 09:35|| 2008-06-16 09:35|| Front Page Top

#7 If the committee is structured so that it allows provisional approval followed by detailed restrictions it would work fine in most cases since the combat action would be over before the detailed restrictions came out.

Bureaucracy can be gamed (I should know, its my day job).

Posted by mhw 2008-06-16 09:42|| 2008-06-16 09:42|| Front Page Top

#8 There is no advantage to anybody except Hussein for the agreement to be reached before the election. And after the election, Bush is the lamest of ducks and an agreement made then would be easily repudiated by Hussein upon taking office. An agreement could be made if McCain is elected so that Bush takes the heat for it but McCain doesn't have to negotiate it.

So relax. This like Iran action is on hold till November 9.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-06-16 11:29|| 2008-06-16 11:29|| Front Page Top

#9 The US threw them a pretty broad and excessive SOFA in order to give Maliki the ability to push back and play the "Iraqi Nationalist" card effectively.

Iran calls him on the carpet to fuss about the Americans - he tells the the Americans are our friends and the US will be staying around a while.

Back home, ht rejects the contract and proposes one of his hown - making the point that he is hsi own man, and in the "Arab Street" is seen as standing up to the US.

And on top of it all, Maliki even POINTEDLY makes the reference to Korea and European US-SOFAs there by saying he is studying those treaties as examples. This is saying in effect: The US is staying but on our terms, and as our guest and friend and guarantor of our security.

So he covers a lot of bases with these actions.

Funny thing is his "pushback" is more in line with actual US SOFA agreements. We set it up, he gets to knck them down and we all get what we need: US - basing and continuity, Maliki - street cred and security.

See how it works?

Posted by OldSpook 2008-06-16 13:52|| 2008-06-16 13:52|| Front Page Top

#10 I'm with you, OS, but make sure the NYT and WaPo don't figure it out .. oh cheez, what am I saying?

Posted by Steve White 2008-06-16 15:52|| 2008-06-16 15:52|| Front Page Top

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