The release of an official letter from the US commander in Iraq announcing the departure of US troops from Iraq in the days and weeks to come has been quickly disavowed by other officials, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley tried to clarify “that’s not what’s happening.”
Milley said he spoke with CENTCOM leadership on the matter, saying that the letter was being composed as a draft and was making the rounds at CENTCOM. It was not intended to be released. Milley added it was “poorly worded” because it implies withdrawal saying it was an “honest mistake.”
The letter plainly said that “we respect your sovereign decision to order our departure.” Clearly, suggesting US respect for Iraqi sovereignty should have been the first sign something was wrong with this letter, coming after Trump’s threats against them the night before.
Iraqi PM Adel Abdul Mahdi has suggested that the US and Iraq should work together on the pullout, saying “Iraq is doing everything it can to prevent the descent into open war.” US officials, however, seem to be in agreement that Iraq has no say on this.
You would think the Pentagon’s response would be – “We await further orders from our sovereign, the US congress, on what the status of US forces will be…
The incident is a typical example of the schizophrenic US foreign policy.
Let see now. The words talking of upcoming days and weeks, of repositioning for leaving, respecting zIraqi sovereignty —- all just a lie by the chief commander in Iraq?
Or just meant to saw confusion.
Or just meant to be a taunt, ridiculing Iraqis for taking it seriously.
Since Iraq is the only place US intends to use as a springboard for attacking Iran — how can US leave?
But also, how can it stay? Iraqi soldiers that were guarding Iraqi border at the spot militants are most likely to use and infiltrate Iraq — were killed by US. Are we there to enable free terrorist movements — so Iraqi forces are not wanted?
It is sad to hear our officials lie, and lie and lie.
Iraq, that is nearly 70% Shia is very likely to have Shia majority in military, be that regular or militia. Branding them all Iranian assets is very deceptive. Whatever the reason for killing them, it has nothing to do with Iran. Israel bombs the same area, as if they own the border.
Iraqi government should send a full Army division to safeguard this stretch of border, and let it be known to everyone that this is Iraqi soil.
Somehow, these soldier that bore the brunt of ISIS hell, are now killed by US snd Israel. Is it really a revenge for destroying ISIS, the great caliphate hope for breaking up Iraq. Explanation for such hate of Shia is still lacking .
Could it all be linked to Israel’s failed attempt at occupying Lebanon in 2006?
“Clearly, suggesting US respect for Iraqi sovereignty should have been the first sign something was wrong with this letter”
So true.
Silly general made an honest mistake, assuming that all those years of American talking points of respecting Iraqi sovereignty meant something real.
I believe Seely sent the letter, otherwise it never would have been in the news. The Pentagon stepped in and covered up the truth. That is my opinion.
I agree.
Iraq PM confirms receiving ‘signed’ US pullout letter
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/01/07/615607/Iraq-letter-United-States-withdrawal
I thought the letter was worded very well. Looks to me like that Brigadier General wants his army out of there! Good, quick response General.
They meant to leak the f you it aint going to happen letter.
Like the American police do, shoot first then ask questions. So, Spoiled bratt talks first then people around him trying to clean the mess.
After this assassination of Solaymani, if any country dosent developed nuclear weapon then they are living in mercy of Americans and they are considered to bee certified Stupids.
Don’t be stupid,developed Nuclear Weapons,
This is the reason Iran will not retaliate directly untill they developed nuclear device, perhaps Russians offered assistance but, maybe not at this I guess they are working overtime just to do that.
Was it really a mistake or just a sudden “change of heart.”
This letter was released too soon. Maybe on purpose to delay the evacuation plan at least few months.
Just imagine the USA respecting a country’s sovereignty! Never been seen!
As for “poorly worded”, compared with the twittering twit it is poetry!
Articles in consortiumnews.com by Pepe Escobar and Patrick Armstrong are pertinent too.