I just read an article from the AP that says we have some problems with the Iraqian govt about keeping our troops in their country. Apparently the UN Mandate runs out on Dec 31st.

The Iraquian govt sent a "contract" to DC with "stipulations" for our troops staying including THEM being pretty much in charge of our military forces and THEM being able to prosecute our troops if they THINK a crime has been committed against one of theirs and a lot of other stuff.  A DC spokesman said the boys in DC aren't real happy with their "terms" right now. But it did say we have to be out by 12-31-2012 anyhow. And it covers the contractors that are there also.

If we can't work out something with the powers that be in Iraq, our other alternative is to go to the UN and ask for an extension of our time (and Russia has a veto and in all probability will use it).

I hope I'm reading this wrong or understanding it wrong cause if this is the case, then I'm madder than a wet hen! If they're gonna be that way then the hell with them, their damn oil and the horse they rode in on. Someone please look that up and tell me I'm wrong....

Hugs BD

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Basically, from what I've read, the Iraqi government wants the troops out BY December 31, 2011 and to start moving troops out around June 2011.  They feel the current version US government gave them is too vague, saying they leave dependent on conditions but not saying by what conditions and conditions determined by who so it could drawn out by the US.  I think there's a part Iraq wants to put in that ALL troops, including military bases, are out by then, but if they stay it has to be by a joint agreement with Iraq and US again.

Iraq wants to have jurisdiction over the troops off duty and not on military bases and with private US contractors (which would include Blackwater).  That part is already in the US draft:  "The draft also gives Iraqi courts limited jurisdiction over U.S. troops, allowing them to be prosecuted by Iraqis only if they are accused of major crimes committed off post and off duty.

Al-Adeeb said the Iraqis want to add a provision for a joint U.S.-Iraqi committee to decide whether U.S. soldiers accused of such crimes were really on authorized missions."

A US General sent a three-page letter to the Iraqi government listing all the services we would cut if they didn't sign the agreement but US is hesitant about negotiating anything with them:  "Mr Gates said the US had "great reluctance" to renegotiate.

"I don't think you slam the door shut, but I would say it's pretty far closed," he said. " and the Iraqi's are taking it as a form of blackmail to try to make them agree to this version.

As far as Russia, they've said they wouldn't veto the UN mandate if the Iraqi government, and only the Iraqi government, not US, brought it forward and wanted it passed.  

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So if we don't agree to THEIR terms they can just say "get the hell out of here" and we have to go? After 5 years, thousands of lives and billions of dollars, we just have to go?

But if we agree to THEIR terms then we have CHAOS?

And a UN Mandate is just gonna get them mad at us?

Looks like we're sitting on a powder-keg with a lighted match.

Hugs BD