Maliki: Iraq Is Now ‘Independent’
Iraq is now "sovereign and independent," according to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who made this optimistic pronouncement on Tuesday, the official end day of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from his war-ravaged country.
Iraq is now “sovereign and independent,” according to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who made this optimistic pronouncement on Tuesday, the official end day of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from his war-ravaged country.
However, this newly declared status comes with quite a few strings — such as tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel who will remain in Iraq for an unknown period, not to mention a far less than stable government structure and continuing insurgent violence. Other than that, sure, “sovereign and independent” all the way.
Your support is crucial…BBC:
The end to US combat operation comes despite continuing violence and instability in Iraq.
The country’s political leaders have so far failed to form a government after elections in March produced no conclusive winner.
In his televised address, Mr Maliki told Iraqis: “Iraq today is sovereign and independent.
“Our security forces will take the lead in ensuring security and safeguarding the country and removing all threats that the country has to weather, internally or externally.”
He assured Iraqis that the security forces were “capable and qualified to shoulder the responsibility”.
Violence in Iraq is down from the peak seen during the sectarian conflict in 2006-2007, although the number of civilian deaths rose sharply in July.
With an uncertain future and a new administration casting doubt on press freedoms, the danger is clear: The truth is at risk.
Now is the time to give. Your tax-deductible support allows us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes what’s really happening — without compromise.
During this holiday season, stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and ensure the stories that matter are told.
Opinion
Where’s the headline-making outrage over the never-ending travesty of Gitmo?
Military
America's forever wars have yielded an astronomical 75,000% increase in terrorist attacks.
A closer look at the Trump administration's agreement with the Taliban reveals all the president's concerned with is bragging rights.
The agreement could see the withdrawal of all American and allied forces in the next 14 months — but it could also easily unravel.
The pact sets the stage for U.S. troop withdrawal more than 18 years after George W. Bush ordered bombing in response to the 9/11 attacks.
The planned Feb. 29 signing depends on the success of a week-long nationwide "reduction in violence" agreement.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.