Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-iq.png "Flag of Iraq") | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Iraq Amends Security Pact
| |
| Summary |
After striking down the first proposal made by the United States, Iraq has amended parts of the Status of Forces agreement which currently provides the legal basis for United States troop presence in the country. The United States is not expected to accept the new terms of the pact. Nevertheless, discussion over the pact will continue between Iraq and the United States, with the goal of reaching an agreement before the end of this year.
| |
| Analysis |
Unhappy with many of the amendments made to the pact, the United States has stated that the door to further negotiations was “pretty far closed.” One of the disputed provisions within the pact was the projected pullout date of all United States military forces. The United States had proposed a more flexible pullout scheme, while Iraq has desired that all troops be removed at a fixed time and date with no exceptions. The United States believes that the pact has allowed Iraq to grow economically, with foreign direct investment growing with the perceived lull in violence. With time running out, the United States has pressed Iraq to ratify the agreement in order to insure it safety and success in the future.
Even if an agreement is not reached through negotiations by the end of this year, the United States has a second option—the renewal of the UN mandate by the Security Council. Currently, the UN mandate provides a legal basis for the presence of coalition forces in Iraq. Along with the Status of Forces Agreement, it too is set to expire by the end of this year. The United States hopes to renew the mandate through unanimous vote by the UN Security Council, but there has been suspicion that Russia, a Security Council member, may threaten to veto. Rather than relying on this option, the United States hopes that an agreement with Iraq will be reached. | |
| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 30, 2008 at 11:30 pm | |
![[Go Cowboys!]](images/osulogo.png "Go Cowboys!")