tag:www.thedonovan.com,2010://1/tag:www.thedonovan.com,2008://1.10017- 2010-02-07T17:13:21Z We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 Movable Type 4.12 tag:www.thedonovan.com,2008://1.10017 2008-11-20T06:24:45Z 2008-11-20T07:07:54Z

Kat http://themiddleground.blogspot.com
I still doubt it.  But, anyone reading the SOFA agreement would have to conclude that moving US forces and operations to subordination to Iraqi law, Iraqi operational planning and, if reading correctly, turning them largely into police actions and reconstruction, means that the war is over.  Period.  End of story. 

Though JD Johannes says, based on other insurgencies, the end will not really exist for another three years.  The exact time frame for final withdrawal of US forces per the SOFA: December 2011. 

The SOFA also clearly lets Iran, Syria and even Turkey know that Iraq will be protected by the US from all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Of interest is the specific language that goes further than just guaranteeing Iraq's geographic sovreignty, but clearly states that the US, upon request by the Iraqi government, will defend Iraq's "democratic system or its elected institutions". 

In other words, to the future presidents of the United States, it is not simply Iraq's strategic geographic location or its equally important strategic resources that will be considered a vital interest of the United States.  But, in fact, democracy. 

I think that is only right considering that over 4,100 men and women of the US forces, hundreds of allied forces and tens of thousands of Iraqi military, police and civilians have given their lives to secure freedom and democracy in Iraq. 

The tree of liberty and the blood of patriots.  The greatest treasure ever given by any nation to another. 

While JD says it's still not over, he also provides compelling evidence that, essentially, it is.  Except for, as the now infamous SoD once stated, dead enders. 

Article 30 does give the incoming president an out if he so chooses. A written request for termination of the agreement with a one year notice. In writing.   The rest of the agreement is so open ended, it basically gives the US carte blanche for determining exactly how fast the troops can be withdrawn up to the ending date of the SOFA.   Thus, it seems unlikely that the incoming Obama administration would seek to end the agreement, but work within its frame to meet administrative goals for redeployment.

Unlike the German agreement for forces, it seems unlikely that Iraq will be willing to host US forces at all after the end of 2011.  Except the possibility of continued training and other services which are likely to be under separate agreements as with possibly Saudi Arabia and other nations that buy equipment and obtain training from the US. 

Iraq indicates in the agreement that it will not seek the renewal of any UN resolution for coalition forces.  Effectively ending any international interference and taking back total sovreignty for Iraq. 

Iraq is, finally, its own nation.



]]> tag:www.thedonovan.com,2008://1.10017-comment:80607 Argent http://www.aaronpoeze.com
However this is a victory really in Iraq.  A victory of a battle in a war.  The war on Terrorism is not won.  Afghanistan and many other places are still terrorist centres.  But I think this battle once started was important to win.  I don't personally think the war on Terrorism is winable.  But that does not mean it's not worth fighting.  It's simply a point of how much or little terrorism there is.  Terrorism is to me a permanent burden the world has long struggled with and will continue to do so.  It's not a one of event to win but rather one of those 'eternal vigilance' things.  Like espionage, slavery and.. well.. piracy which is also a bit high for my liking.

Ultimately this underlines that Iraq's victory is even more valuable than a simple battle in a war.

Now it is up to Iraq herself if she sinks or swims.  I think she's been given a very fair chance to make it and I have a lot of hope for Iraq's future.  Indeed this is even more a victory for Iraq than for the US or Australia.
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