The Obama administration is continuing to pursue an agreement with the Iraqi government that would give U.S. defense contractors remaining there beyond 2012 immunity from Iraqi law.
While the approximately 17,000 diplomats and servicemembers working for the State Department are shielded by diplomatic immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law, the thousands of private contractors and mercenaries no longer have such protections, pursuant to the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement.
The Obama administration’s plan to keep thousands of U.S. soldiers in Iraq beyond the December 2011 deadline to withdraw fell through in October when the Iraqi government would not grant legal immunity to the troops.
Providing immunity from Iraqi law to any lingering security forces is highly unpopular in Iraq, especially after the 2007 Nisour Square massacre in which U.S. mercenary soldier from Blackwater Inc. murdered 17 Iraqi civilians. Coincidentally, Blackwater is trying to renew contracts to march back into Iraq under a new company name, “Academi.”
The effort to get legal protections for defense contractors is an example of the Obama administration’s refusal to put an end to the occupation and domination of Iraq. And it may be successful. “Neither side has closed the door at this point,” said OSC-I spokesman Lt. Col. Tom Hanson.
Maliki is going to have to pull an end run around the Legislature there – or trick them into agreeing – otherwise the chance of this happening is starkly slim. IF Maliki agrees without the approval of the Legislature you can count on the violence level rising quickly – and not just against the US personnel.
Iraqis would be wise to require that the size of their delegation in Washington be the same size as the US delegation in Iraq. Both could then be cut to under 500.
This is democracy and Maliki can,t and will not.
Americans are too arrogant everywhere in the world even in america, will be used their law but americans are extry criminals and must not be tried.
God bleyy america for their notorious games in the world as killers.
The Iraqis would be wise to demand that the size of their delegations in Washington be the same size as those of the US in Iraq. Both could then be cut to about 500.
Iraq must boot Maliki, and install a leader who wants a soveriegn Iraq free of US meddling, and hegemony. These contractors hate Muslims, and need the diplomatic immunity so that when they kill they are free to go!
It's just not fair! Here in America cops get to kill anybody they want and have legal immunity. Prosecutors can send anyone they want to prison or death and have legal immunity. Why do Iraqis think they can have protections from American government employees who might hurt or kill them? Are they crazy?
Strange how there is so little news of certain verboten subjects….. The man who quashed the immunity deal, Mojktada Sader doesn't seem to be crowing or saying anything….. How will this all play out…??? Check back on Jan. 1 to find out….