This Declaration is the first step in a three-step process that will normalize U.S.-Iraqi relations in a way which is consistent with Iraq's sovereignty and will help Iraq regain its rightful status in the international community – something both we and the Iraqis seek. The second step is the renewal of the Multinational Force-Iraq's Chapter VII United Nations mandate for a final year, followed by the third step, the negotiation of the detailed arrangements that will codify our bilateral relationship after the Chapter VII mandate expires.
The U.S. and Iraq will negotiate another year-long United Nations mandate for foreign troops in Iraq, which will expire (I think) in late December 2008. According to today's declaration, following the forthcoming renewal at the U.N., "we will begin negotiation of a framework that will govern the future of our bilateral relationship." That means that during Bush's last year in office, the administration will work out the terms of the U.S.'s stay in Iraq in order to, at the very least, seriously constrain the next administration's options for ending the U.S. presence. Even if Bush doesn't take the audacious step of signing a so-called Status of Forces Agreement -- the basic document for garrisoning U.S. forces on foreign soil -- while he's a lame duck, the simple fact of negotiations will create a diplomatic expectation that his successor will find difficult to reverse.
Does this declaration bind the next President to keep our troops in Iraq, what say you?
The U.S. and Iraq will negotiate another year-long United Nations mandate for foreign troops in Iraq, which will expire (I think) in late December 2008. According to today's declaration, following the forthcoming renewal at the U.N., "we will begin negotiation of a framework that will govern the future of our bilateral relationship." That means that during Bush's last year in office, the administration will work out the terms of the U.S.'s stay in Iraq in order to, at the very least, seriously constrain the next administration's options for ending the U.S. presence. Even if Bush doesn't take the audacious step of signing a so-called Status of Forces Agreement -- the basic document for garrisoning U.S. forces on foreign soil -- while he's a lame duck, the simple fact of negotiations will create a diplomatic expectation that his successor will find difficult to reverse.
Does this declaration bind the next President to keep our troops in Iraq, what say you?
14 comments:
With the exception of Kucinich, none of the Democrats are calling for withdrawal from Iraq- they say they want "redeployment."
I think there is nothing they would like better than to have Bush sign a treaty, so they can say, "Gee, we'd like to leave, but…"
I expect lots of bluster and faux outrage, but the Democrats will stop just short of actually blocking such an agreement. (I would love for them to prove me wrong.)
I would love to see that as well thomas. This just makes it easy for any of them to stay in Iraq.
Hi Let's Talk- sorry it took me so long to get here today!
I don't think that mandate is worth the paper it's written on. How in the world are we supposed to keep paying to keep our troops in Iraq? This is nonsense and nothing more than Bush trying to drop this in the lap of the next President, that he knows will be Democrat.
I think you are right Mary Ellen, I just hope the next President does not try to use this as an excuse to stay in Iraq.
I don't know, it appears to me we've been sucked in for the long haul, no matter what anyone attempts to say they'll do! ; (
But I'm cynical that way.....
You just might be correct Coffee Messiah. I guess we shall see.
Call me cynical, but I expect nothing but the worst intentions from this "Declaration." American forces will remain in Iraq for eternity, all of Iraq's oil rightfully belongs to Exxon, etc.
I'd rather sign a contract (without even reading it first) with the sleaziest used car salesman than expect anything positive from a "declaration" being pushed by the Bush Administration.
I'm with Tom on this. Assuming Bush leaves office of his own accord, the next president will be stuck there. And the next, etc etc etc ad infinitum yabba dabba doo.
I understand what you are saying Tom Harper. Just wait until we sit up camp on the borders of Iran.
Randal Graves, you are correct and we can look for our young kids who are in schools now to participate in this move by this Declaration.
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.
Thomas, some of those redeployments are a withdrawal like Dodd and Richardson.
Bush is going to do his best to tie us down, and in effect has, with the help of Congress, has.
Imagine an Iraq that belongs to Iran.
I'm not sure where we go from here, but we don't go anywhere good, the way we've been going that's for sure.
I agree 1138, where we are goiing is at a lost, but I'm sure it's no where good at all.
this declaration smells so bad even the stinky fish are holding their nose
tho the next president can always use the now common "signing statement"
Distributorcap, I hope you are right about the "signing statement."
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