The Iraqi cabinet is studying a draft agreement but the UN mandate runs out soon (Photo AFP)US Military Chief Warns Iraq On Security Deal -- AFP
ABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AFP) — US military chief Michael Mullen bluntly warned Iraq on Tuesday that it risked security losses of "significant consequence" unless it approves an agreement on a legal basis for US forces there.
Admiral Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also charged that Iran was working hard to scuttle passage of the so-called Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA.
"We are clearly running out of time," said Mullen.
Mullen said that when the current UN mandate runs out December 31, Iraqi security forces "will not be ready to provide for their security. And in that regard there is great potential for losses of significant consequence."
The admiral, who is on a visit to Europe, made the comments as the Iraqi cabinet took up a draft status of forces agreement negotiated over a period of months with the United States.
It calls for a drawdown of US combat forces from Iraq by the end of 2011 and includes US concessions on jurisdiction over US troops accused of serious crimes while off duty or off base.
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My Comment: The Iraqis are showing their lack of experience in negotiation and politics. This is something new to them, and I understand that it will take decades to develop the necessary political culture to tolerate different opinions and compromises. Unfortunately, a security agreement is necessary now .... not 2 minutes before the end of the previous mandate.