Iraq to Kick U.S. Forces Out in 2011!

Militarily no they can't do shit, but legally all American and other allied troops have been in Iraq under Iraqi request for the past 2-3 years. Yeah Iraq can pass a resolution demanding the withdraw of all US troops and we can go "lolz, yeah right fuck you", and as much as it is the wet dream for some people here to think the US will do that, that's not how international politics works.

Give them credit, 60 years after WW2, 20 years after the fall of the wall, there's still American and British troops in Germany.

I really expect the Iraqi parliament to pass another Status of forces agreement to extend it for another year or two, though at reduced troop levels, maybe 25,000. It's not just a question of security though. Having say those 25,000 troops plus supporting staff brings in a lot of money to your country.

 

All troops are combat troops. The term was coined by a DOD spokesperson to give the world a sense of accomplishment in Iraq. The remaining 50k troops in Iraq are not performing combat operations, but they will switch to "combat mode" if the situation warrants it.

(I know this because:I was there once as a combat troop and once as a "non-combat" troop (journalist), working for public affairs.)

The Security Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq states that we will leave Iraq no later than Dec. 31, 2011, but there is a clause in the agreement that gives the Iraqi government the right to ask us to stay. If they ask, we will.

If they do not ask, that does not necessarily mean that ALL troops will be out of Iraq. The largest U.S. Embassy complex in the world is in Baghdad and the State Department has several military members working there. They do not fall under the rules of the Security Agreement.

Unfortunately, while most of us would like to see the U.S. occupation of Iraq come to a complete end, it most certainly will not. We will always have a presence there--whether on the streets in combat gear, or behind the scenes at the "NEC" (New Embassy Compound).

 

True. There are also troops who work for the State Department at the U.S. Embassy, so there will always be some troops in Iraq. They may not be performing combat operations (most of them are staff and flag-level officers), but they are there, nonetheless.

 

what is a "flag level officer"?
peace
Delfynasa

 

A flag officer is a general officer. Whenever one is present, there will be a flag with star(s) on it, equivalent to the number of stars in his rank. (one to five stars)

 

I know.
I was being sarcastic.
Sorry.

 

It's ok. A lot of people don't get it, so if my l-o-n-g explanation helps someone else along the way, it's cool with me.

I am embarrassed about the whole thing. I also hate that the DOD manipulated the media into reporting it that way--especially Rachel Maddow, who is one of my favorites.