YET.
The Iraqi government is UNWILLING to allow an agreement with 'time tables' less than 2012. Of course, 2012 also coincides with the next USA elections.
We need to leave Iraq to the Iraqis. There is FAR TOO much 'fire power' in the region. Afghanistan and Pakistan need the USA military more.
Sheik Abdul-Amerr al-Wajid, left, speaks with U.S. Army Capt. Mike Penney, center, and Lt. Col. Michael Getchell, right, with the help of an interpreter, second from right, as he hosts the soldiers for dinner at his home in Iskandariyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Baghdad, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Barely a year ago, Iskandariyah was a stronghold of Shiite and Sunni militants, and residents say sectarian violence was so ferocious that hardly anyone showed up for work at the city's industrial complex and streets emptied by early afternoon. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Iraq spokesman says US security offer not enough (click here)
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA – 18 hours ago
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's government spokesman says the U.S. offers of changes in the draft security agreement were "not enough."
Ali al-Dabbagh also is asking Washington to offer new amendments if it wants the pact to win parliamentary approval.
Al-Dabbagh's comments on Monday were the first public statements by the Iraqis to last week's U.S. response to an Iraqi request for changes in the draft agreement.
The pact would keep U.S. troops in Iraq until 2012 and give Iraq a greater role in the management of the U.S. mission.
He says the "American answer is not enough" for the government to accept it in its current form.
Al-Dabbagh says the government is inviting the U.S. "to give answers that are suitable to the Iraqis."
Iraqi civilians inspect a blood splattered damaged bus after bombs exploded in Baghdad, Iraq on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. A suicide bomber struck in a crowd that had gathered where an explosion went off moments earlier, with both blasts killing at least 28 people and wounding 68 others, officials said. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
The Awakening groups are said to be one of the main reasons for the reduction in violence in Iraq [AFP]
There are very real reasons why the Shi'ites are demanding the USA leave Iraq. The Petraeus 'Sunni empowerment' has also caused a great deal of alarm and death in at least one Shi'ite region outside the Sunni Triangle.
Iraq's Sunni fighters leave U.S. payroll (click here)
The Sons of Iraq are now employed by the Iraqi army. Ruling Shiites still view the fighters with suspicion, and the feeling is mutual. In Baghdad, a bombing kills 31.
By Ned Parker and Tina Susman November 11, 2008
Reporting from Baghdad -- The young man stamped his foot, the customary salute to higher officers, handed over his torn identification card and signed his name in a ledger. He pressed a thumbprint in blue ink next to it, and an Iraqi military officer handed him a fat roll of pink-and-green dinar notes.He counted the money and handed back the change....
US-Iraq security agreement forging ahead (click here)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:43 GMT
Is the US-Iraq security agreement heading towards finalization? The answer awaits last minute developments that have let out an optimistic perception from both parties. Iraqi Prime Minister’s media advisor Yassin Majid said the cabinet has prepared its response to the final US draft declining to elaborate on the response in fear of leaks before passing it to the Presidency Council for approval and then to the Parliament. It seems that it is going ahead as head of Bader Organization said.
“There is an understanding that we may go forward with the pact,” said Hadi Al Ameri, head of the powerful Badr organization. He added that Obama's victory had helped convince his followers that the United States would fulfill the commitment to withdraw its troops according to the schedule in the pact....
