Iraq May End US Military Ties in December, Hire Private Trainers
Spokesman Suggests Little Support for Immunity Deal
Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh today suggested that his nation was prepared to end its direct military ties with the United States at the end of December, instead relying on private contractors for “training” programs in 2012 and beyond.
“When we buy equipment, there’s a possibility that training could go ahead on ‘commercial’ terms,” Dabbagh insisted, saying Iraq was still willing to discuss a deal “without immunity” for US trainers beyond the date.
Iraq’s political leadership agreed earlier his month that US trainers could stay, but insisted they would be combined to Iraqi military bases and would not be granted immunity from local prosecution. This was quickly condemned by the US, which demanded full immunity for all US troops.
Dabbagh’s comments are aimed at showing the Iraqi government will not easily back down on this position, and sets the stage for what will likely be a war of words as the last few weeks of 2011 continue.
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RickR30
October 10th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
I wouldn't count on it. I'd love to hear an explanation from one of those US military zombies on why we've got the stay there even though they don't want us there.
JLS
October 10th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
It's called haggling. They're just trying to get a better deal. They'll remain a puppet state of course. What choice do they have?
Greg Astrov
October 11th, 2011 at 1:20 am
In the mid 1950s the British Imperial Staff issued a White paper on Iraq( Iraq is the heart of the Middle East. Who ever controls it control the whole Middle East). The US is leaving from the door to get back through the window. The new US Army is coming! The mercenaries are coming.
ghouri
October 11th, 2011 at 1:30 am
Who loves americans? as killers and destroyer of Irak and the world. Our rulers are forced to accept these killers.
Enough is enough as they have killed all the young men in Irak in the name of democraty and freedom.
Liers and the american Media are biggest enemy of human beings for their greed of money.
emistruth
October 11th, 2011 at 4:38 am
Please, please Prime Minister Maliki get rid of us.
John Ellis
October 11th, 2011 at 6:27 am
The same rich nobility that ruled Iraq before our Empire’s invasion, again rules it now and it all depends upon if they still desire to be so independent.
Bob D
October 11th, 2011 at 9:43 am
The arrogance of a tyrant meets the arrogance of a neocon. I love it.
jeff_davis
October 11th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
The Kabuki over bribe money continues…
rodney
October 11th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
that is good news
whynot have trainers from muslim countries? liek ndonesiaq or iran oir turkeyt or egypot/
John_Muhammad
October 11th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
The big question I have on all of this: Why is the US insisting our troops have immunity from Iraqi laws? If we have people stationed in a foreign nation, we should expect our men and women to abide by that nation's laws, whatever they may be, and if they commit illegal acts they should be held accountable for those acts according to local laws and standards. I'm pretty sure if we had, say, Iranian military personnel visiting the US they'd be watched very carefully every minute for violation of our laws and the second they broke any law, however trivial, the news would be trumpeted from sea to shining sea about how evil the Iranians are as demonstrated by their shameless illegal parking or jaywalking.
Giving immunity to soldiers in a foreign nation is nothing but an invitation four trouble- trust me on this, I've seen it overseas and I know what goes on when the boys act up.
Bill
October 11th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
.I hope Ali al-Dabbagh and the nation of Iraq succeed in getting rid of the US occupiers. But I doubt they will succeed.
This is because the negotiations are not taking place on a level playing field with cordial exchanges by friendly negotiators. I'm sure the US "negotiators" are probably making demands and threats and expecting the Iraqis to obey. The US is not going to leave just because they can't negotiate a deal for the "trainers".
The US is now the new Soviet Union that seemed to dominate our fears in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Now it is the US that is the hegemonic power of the world.
Andron
October 11th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Hey what alovely war we will have now.
The Iranians can now step in to train the Iraqi's to use all ther lovely new American weapons.
Woulden't that be great for the Iranians who are starved for the latest technology.
Jamie
October 11th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
America and many other think the worlds people are stupid.Fact is you get caught in almost every lie you try to get us to belive and we now you are the country that is the real danger.Ifact we have been America has been the worlds biggest danger for longer than even most experts no.They use propoganda to try to start a war with Iran that will most likely turn into WW3.Most of the Israely and American governments are the scum of the earth in both there are very few good people in government and one is running for president of the US Ron Paul.And he is the only one that will chage things for the better not the change Obama promised and never did.
Augustbrhm
October 11th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
The Iranians are not starved for tech they have nuclear weapons just like israel and america.
Augustbrhm
October 11th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
,What country wants on its soil invaders,murderers ,war criminals …….america and israel.