Iraq, US sign pact to pull troops out in 3 years

[sabra]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Iraq and the United States signed a long-awaited accord on Monday requiring Washington to withdraw its forces by the end of 2011, eight years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The pact, which must still be passed by the Iraqi parliament, was signed by Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari and U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker at a ceremony ending months of negotiations on the future of the U.S. presence.

"Definitely, today is an historic day for Iraqi-American relations," Zebari told reporters after exchanging signed copies with Crocker. Both men smiled and enthusiastically shook hands as officials applauded.

The two men also signed a long-term strategic framework, which Crocker said would define the countries' ties for years.

"It reminds us all that, at a time when U.S. forces will continue to withdraw from Iraq in recognition of the superlative security gains over the last few years, our relationship will develop in many other important ways."

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LH89026.htm

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. Actually, that should read -

Bush administration signs deal which forces his successor to keep troops in Iraq for another three years.

Barack said 16 months - now they'll be able to say "He lied to you! See what you get for electing a black democrat?"

Once again, the republicans are playing politics with war.

[shadowknows69]

8. I think it's more about shrubbie's "Legacy"

The spin on this will be that W ended the war.

[wtmusic]

9. My first thought too.

Or how about...

"Bush signs deal to bring an estimated 1,000 more servicemembers home in body bags"? :shrug:

[ixion]

2. well, if we haven't finished draining the treasury and destroying our military

those extra three years should just about do it.

:argh: :grr:

[marylanddem]

3. Obama will keep his pledge. Fuck Bush's agreements.

[halobeam]

4. Can Obama undo this? 3years is NOT 16months.

Am I missing something here?

[azurnoir]

5. The loophole

The Bush administration says the pact needs no U.S. congressional approval.

Bet there is a legal team working on that right now, rule by fiat is illegal in the US

[shadowknows69]

7. If it doean't need Congressional approval

Then Obama shouldn't need any approval to overturn it if he wants. If were allowing the President to make treaties "off the books" now.

[underpants]

6. "superlative security gains"

1. they killed or ran off everyone left. It is not a "target rich environment" anymore as Rumsfeld once said of Afghanistan
2. alQaeda had served it purpose for the Sunnis (Sunni uprising) and alQaeda draws the hell and furry of the US military juggernaut (as it should) which NO ONE wants to have near them
3.the monthly checks to alSadr are still clearing so he continues his ceasefire. And when it all settles he will have a rested army and tons of cash.