PINKtank

Iraq Withdrawal? Don’t Believe Obama’s Hype

If you're feeling skeptical after hearing President Obama's latest speech on the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, you're not alone. It's hard to know what to make of a President and an administration that brings over 90,000 troops homewhile ordering 50,000 soldiers along with 75,000 military contractors to remain. There are still some 150,000 personnel in Iraq and the US is supposed to be completely out of the country by 2011. That's next year. Bringing home thousands by the end of this August is a good step, but we really need to step on it. Unfortunately, the State Department is dragging its heels as much as the Pentagon and wants to hire 6,000 - 7,000 more staff and train them like soldiers. While working under the auspices of the State Department, these new personnel would have the status of “diplomats.” But who ever heard of a diplomat trained like a soldier and armed with a gun?

Moving Chess Pieces: The Illusion of Withdrawal in Iraq

Today, all U.S. troops must be withdrawn from Iraqi cities, including U.S. bases in Baghdad, according to the Status Of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the U.S. and Iraq. The Iraqi government will also take legal responsibility for the actions of U.S. troops and have legal jurisdiction over American soldiers who commit crimes off-base and off-duty, [...]

OFFICIAL RELEASE: CODEPINK calls for true, complete end to six years of brutal war in Iraq

NEW YORK — While many worldwide are lauding an “end” to the Iraq War today, as US troops may have largely moved out of most Iraqi cities, CODEPINK Women for Peace calls for a true, complete end to six years of devastating occupation with a speedy withdrawal of all troops, ending the use of military [...]

Iraq: What We Leave As We Withdraw