.Iraq's handling of the deal with America evinces a newfound national spirit
The Iraqi Parliament's approval of a security agreement with Washington on Thursday is the first clear sign since the US-led invasion in 2003 that a spirit of nationalism is alive and well in the war-battered country. The near-breakdown of Iraqi society along sectarian lines was one of the unfortunate consequences of the removal of Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule, and just two years ago the country was teetering on the brink of a full-scale civil war. But the passage of the military pact bodes well for the future of the country because it demonstrates that Iraqis are now putting the interests of the nation above those of their various tribes and sects.
Lawmakers from all sects had expressed reservations about earlier drafts of the agreement. But Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki proved himself a leader for all Iraqis by fighting ferociously to address each of these concerns. Nearly a year of hard bargaining over these issues won the Iraqis some important concessions from Washington, including strict Iraqi control over US military operations and an agreement not to use Iraqi territory for attacks on neighboring states.
Moreover, despite wild claims that the US-led invasion has transformed Iraq into an Iranian satellite state - allegations that have gained currency both in Washington and in Arab capitals - Iraqi MPs did not succumb to Tehran's pressure to reject the accord. Even those who opposed the pact, such as Muqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 30 MPs, did so on the grounds that it would undermine Iraq's interests, not those of its neighbors. Iran should now support the decision and respect the will of Iraq's MPs.
As for the United States, President-elect Barack Obama can now fulfil his pledge to the American people that the war in Iraq will not be an open-ended one. The agreement sets a firm timetable for a US withdrawal that will allow Obama to pull troops out of the country during his first term. This does not mean that the Americans can wash their hands of the entire Iraq war. Indeed, it is their duty to use their remaining time in the country to help the Iraqis build the institutions that will allow them to maintain their newfound spirit of national unity.
Daily Star
Lawmakers from all sects had expressed reservations about earlier drafts of the agreement. But Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki proved himself a leader for all Iraqis by fighting ferociously to address each of these concerns. Nearly a year of hard bargaining over these issues won the Iraqis some important concessions from Washington, including strict Iraqi control over US military operations and an agreement not to use Iraqi territory for attacks on neighboring states.
Moreover, despite wild claims that the US-led invasion has transformed Iraq into an Iranian satellite state - allegations that have gained currency both in Washington and in Arab capitals - Iraqi MPs did not succumb to Tehran's pressure to reject the accord. Even those who opposed the pact, such as Muqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 30 MPs, did so on the grounds that it would undermine Iraq's interests, not those of its neighbors. Iran should now support the decision and respect the will of Iraq's MPs.
As for the United States, President-elect Barack Obama can now fulfil his pledge to the American people that the war in Iraq will not be an open-ended one. The agreement sets a firm timetable for a US withdrawal that will allow Obama to pull troops out of the country during his first term. This does not mean that the Americans can wash their hands of the entire Iraq war. Indeed, it is their duty to use their remaining time in the country to help the Iraqis build the institutions that will allow them to maintain their newfound spirit of national unity.
Daily Star
posted by madtom at 6:16 PM
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