Iraqi "independence day" arrives

Despite upsurge in violence, US says conditions for withdrawal from major cities have been met.

By Jane Arraf - GlobalPost
Published: June 30, 2009 05:34 ET
Updated: July 16, 2009 16:34 ET
Page 3 of 3

The changing relationship leaves the U.S. military in the unfamiliar role of no longer being in the driver’s seat. In the north of Iraq, particularly — with the Kurdish-Arab tensions that is one of the biggest fault lines threatening Iraq’s stability — withdrawal or no withdrawal, there is still a lot at stake.

“We’re going to have to learn how to maintain influence without those boots on the ground that would normally make a difference,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq.

Apart from diplomatic leverage, there is a blunter instrument — in the north, the $900 million the U.S. has spent on reconstruction projects.

“There has been a lot investment in the reconstruction to rebuild the essential services infrastructures and if there’s an Al Qaeda safe haven in a neighborhood and the Iraqi security forces are unwilling to go into that neighborhood, we’re going to say ‘listen, we’re not going to bring you essential services,’” Caslen said.

A lesson for anyone thinking that the June 30 withdrawal means that the U.S. isn’t still deeply involved in Iraq.  

Read more about Iraq:

US withdraws from Iraq cities

In Iraq, festivities and mixed feelings

Iraq fails the democracy taste test

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Posted by ren on June 30, 2009 10:16 ET

What a mess...unfortunately, many more lives will be lost. I hope this is the right step and it doesn't put Americans or Iraqis in more danger...but how could it not?

Are there any other countries that will have "security stations" in Iraq?

I guess we have to start some where.

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