U.s.-Iraqi Security Pact |
November 28, 2008: Iraqi lawmakers approved the U.S. Iraqi Security Pact. The two-phase agreement includes a plan to form a long-term mutual relationship and a “status of forces” agreement to dictate how U.S. soldiers will be affected by Iraqi laws.[1] The pact requires criminal punishment for keeping hostages over 24 hours and decides that U.S. soldiers who commit felonies will not be subject to Iraqi criminal law. The agreement was set to expire at the time when the U.S. had finished removing troops from Iraq: at the end of 2011.[2]
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said that the security pact outlines, “two landmark agreements that will guide our relationships with Iraq, to help solidify Iraq’s democratic gains that they’ve made over the past few years, affirm Iraq’s sovereignty, and put its relations with the United States on a strong footing.”[3] As the war came to a close, it was important for the U.S. to formally agree on regulations for a continued relationship with Iraq.
President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki announced the agreement in a speech on December 14. Maliki thanked the U.S. for the agreement, saying, “We believe that these efforts culminated the height of real understanding and cooperation and friendship between Iraq and the United States. Now remains the part of implementing such an agreement.”[4] The security pact was an important milestone that established guidelines to promote peace and security that would last beyond the end of the war.
[1] "United States Department of Defense." Bush Hails Passage of New U.S.-Iraq Security Pact. Defense.gov News, 28 Nov. 2008. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52119>.
[2] “Bush Hails Passage of New U.S. Iraq Security Pact,” Denfense.gov
[3] "U.S. Central Command | Presidency Council Ratifies U.S.-Iraq Security Pact." U.S. Central Command | Presidency Council Ratifies U.S.-Iraq Security Pact. N.p., 4 Dec. 2008. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. <http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/articles/presidency-council-ratifies-u.s.-iraq-security-pact>.
[4] "President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement." The White House. N.p., 14 Dec. 2008. Web. 18 Nov. 2014. <http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081214-2.html>.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said that the security pact outlines, “two landmark agreements that will guide our relationships with Iraq, to help solidify Iraq’s democratic gains that they’ve made over the past few years, affirm Iraq’s sovereignty, and put its relations with the United States on a strong footing.”[3] As the war came to a close, it was important for the U.S. to formally agree on regulations for a continued relationship with Iraq.
President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki announced the agreement in a speech on December 14. Maliki thanked the U.S. for the agreement, saying, “We believe that these efforts culminated the height of real understanding and cooperation and friendship between Iraq and the United States. Now remains the part of implementing such an agreement.”[4] The security pact was an important milestone that established guidelines to promote peace and security that would last beyond the end of the war.
[1] "United States Department of Defense." Bush Hails Passage of New U.S.-Iraq Security Pact. Defense.gov News, 28 Nov. 2008. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52119>.
[2] “Bush Hails Passage of New U.S. Iraq Security Pact,” Denfense.gov
[3] "U.S. Central Command | Presidency Council Ratifies U.S.-Iraq Security Pact." U.S. Central Command | Presidency Council Ratifies U.S.-Iraq Security Pact. N.p., 4 Dec. 2008. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. <http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/articles/presidency-council-ratifies-u.s.-iraq-security-pact>.
[4] "President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement." The White House. N.p., 14 Dec. 2008. Web. 18 Nov. 2014. <http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081214-2.html>.