The US military has threatened to halt vital services in Iraq if Baghdad refuses to sign a controversial US security pact with Washington.
In addition to halting all military actions, US forces would cease activities that support Iraq’s economy, educational sector and other areas- ‘everything’ – Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq’sVice President told the US newspaper McClatchy.
According to al-Hashemi, many Iraqi politicians view the move as ‘political blackmail’.
Hashemi went on to say that Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top US military commander in Iraq, had provided Iraqi officials with a three-page list of the services which would be suspended if Iraq did not sign the so-called Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
The Iraqi Vice President said the threat ‘caught Iraqi leaders by surprise’. “It was really shocking for us,” he said. “Many people view this attitude as a kind of blackmail.”
According to the US daily, US Embassy officials have confirmed that a lengthy list has been handed over to the Iraqi government.
The newspaper added that the services the US provides include protection of Iraq’s principal borders, its oil exports, shipping through the Arvand Rud (Shatt al-Arab) and all air traffic control over Iraq.
Washington has been pushing for the signing of the security pact which would grant the US the right to set up military bases inside the country.
The controversial treaty, however, has sparked outrage among Iraq’s political and religious leaders who consider the agreement as a blatant infringement on the country’s sovereignty.
Call their bluff–immediately! Talk about painting yourself into a corner… This a definitive moment for the Iraqis: The question is, Do they believe enough in themselves?
I can only hope that the Iraqi government has the courage to stand against this. In Yugoslavia, the way Serbia folded, Milosovich was very disapointing that a person could hand their country over like that. At Rambouillet , Madaline Albright did a similar thing.
http://www.serendipity.li/nato.htm
Rather than fight, he folded, and the US had their way with Serbia. Now is the time for some courage by the Iraqui leader. It may cost him his life, but how is his hour.
The New Bush Doctrine?
The End of International Law?
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/dreyfuss/377081
Regards
Peace,
Saker, I know you have been asking for a long time but I think now the time is right so check in your inbox in a day or two :)
Regards
Ayaz
That last protection, the one against overflights, who could they be referring to?
-AA
I could not believe the OBVIOUS blackmail . it is almost like bullying without any shame . Ihad assumed that the US would apologize and leave , after there were no WMDS were not found , instead it stated arrogant threats and blackmails and I hope the Iraqis have the Guts to tell the Neocons to go to Hell but i doubt it after all they did come with the occupiers and are protected by them in th Greenzone .