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June 27, 2009

What Next for the U.S. in Iraq?

Michael Knights, Washington Institute

AP Photo

According to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the U.S. military will complete its withdrawal from Iraqi cities on June 30, 2009. The redeployments have both real and symbolic importance, and will mark a milestone in the Obama administration's cautious drawdown of Washington's military commitment. Nonetheless, the U.S. military will continue to play a vital role in consolidating and extending security gains throughout the country, particularly in the rural provinces.

The Status of Forces Agreement

The SOFA was approved by Iraq's cabinet, parliament, and presidential council during November and December 2008 and is supposed to be ratified in a national referendum by July 30, 2009, a date that may be allowed to slip to coincide with the January 2010 national...

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TAGGED: United States, Iraq, U.S. military, U.S.-Iraqi Joint Military Operations Coordination Committee, Obama administration, Baghdad, Washington

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