Iraq sets Time for U.S. Pullout

[tw]

The Madhr army says they will oppose with violence any agreement that results in US bases outside the cities. The agreement is not in doubt. The major question (not discussed in that quote) are whether Americans can have (suggested up to 70) military bases in Iraq.

All but the Kurds want Americans out completely. They still have a civil war to finish. Remember that war that Americans foolishly believed was Al Qaeda? Well that civil war has not yet resulted in any diplomatic solution. Only the Kurds think they will be losers in a three way civil war.

Notice the quote in that article - O'Hanlon - who was driven from government because he told the truth about Iraq in 2002.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by tw

The Madhr army says they will oppose with violence any agreement that results in US bases outside the cities.

Cite please. If you mean the Mahdi Army, then I believe you are mistaken. Moqtada al-Sadr has said repeatedly throughout the talks that he will not, specifically not, do so. That was apparently one of the lynch pins in getting the deal done.

As far back as August '08

Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr would dissolve his Mahdi army militia if the United States started withdrawing troops according to a set timetable, a spokesman said. Sadr's decision to link disarming his militia to a US withdrawal comes at a crucial point in talks between Baghdad and Washington over a security pact to provide a legal basis for US troops in Iraq when a UN mandate expires at the end of the year.

I'm not sure that I believe him, but still, it was said.

[Bullitt]

Pull out like it's prom night!

[tw]

Originally Posted by classicman

Cite please. If you mean the Mahdi Army, then I believe you are mistaken. Moqtada al-Sadr has said repeatedly throughout the talks that he will not, specifically not, do so.

All that was that changed during Friday prayers. However, Sadr is not the ultimate leader. Everyone has turned to hear what Sistani says. And Sistani has been silent.

It not about US withdrawing troops. Sadr said he will promote attacks on Americans if Americans are granted bases in Iraq.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by tw
The Madhr army says they will oppose with violence any agreement that results in US bases outside the cities.

Originally Posted by tw

All that was that changed during Friday prayers. However, Sadr is not the ultimate leader. Sadr said he will promote attacks on Americans if Americans are granted bases in Iraq.

I still didn't see a cite for this claim - I've looked repeatedly and still cannot find anything to corroborate your claims.

[tw]

Originally Posted by classicman

I still didn't see a cite for this claim - I've looked repeatedly ...

From the NY Times of 16 November 2008 entitled "Pact, Approved in Iraq, Sets Time for U.S. Pullout":

It remains unclear how hardened opponents of the agreement might respond, particularly followers of the anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr. After the cabinet vote, Sadrist politicians, reiterating their opposition to the accord, claimed that as a procedural matter, parliamentary approval would require a two-thirds majority. Supporters say a simple majority will suffice.

In a statement released Sunday night, Mr. Sadr sought once again to position himself as a nationalist opponent of the American-led forces. “I call on the Iraqi Parliament again to refuse this pact without hesitation because it is a deal to sell Iraq and its people,” said Mr. Sadr, who in a statement at Friday Prayer last week also called for armed resistance against the Americans.

... Tawafiq, the largest Sunni bloc in Parliament, appears to be divided. A little more than a fourth of its members have said they will vote for the agreement, while leaders of the Iraqi Islamic Party, Tawafiq’s largest member party, said they would not approve any agreement without a national referendum, an unlikely development.

Also reported by other news services. Also listed are Sistani's three conditions for a settlement.