Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-iq.png "Flag of Iraq") | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Iraq Allows American Troops till 2011
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| Summary |
The Iraqi three-member presidential council signed an important agreement on Thursday. This pact would allow American military troops to be in Iraq until December 31, 2011. American troops are currently allowed in Iraq due to a U.N. mandate, however this is due to expire at the end of 2008. The plan would also entail having American troops to start pulling out of Iraqi towns by July 2009. This plan was met by two suicide car bombs in the city of Fallujah killing at least two American soldiers. The plan still must be voted on by referendum in July by the Iraqi citizens.
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| Analysis |
Iraq is looking at the idea of American troops in Iraq in a realist perspective. They realize that domestic security in a country is paramount to the success of that country. However, at the moment they cannot create this security on their own so they are forced to rely on American troops. By creating this deadline the Iraqis are giving themselves time to increase the ability of their security forces and bring stability to the country. This is part of the realist perspective because they are creating a military tie with American because its serves both sides. However, they must also be careful that they are ready in 2011 and that when American troops do not pull out that the insurgency gains strength and retakes the country.
America also is pleased by new pact signed with Iran. The United States as a lone world super power must always project power. If the United States pulls out of Iraq because they suffered too many causalities it will weaken their perceived power on the world stage. Yet, since a deadline is now set they can pull out and show that they help countries create strong democracies and pull out when ordered. This helps keep their power on the world stage so other countries do not believe the United States is weak. The United States must also hope that Iraq is actually ready to accept its security responsibilities when they withdraw troops.
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| Perspective |  | Realist |
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| Submitted | December 5, 2008 at 07:06 am | |
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