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US, Iraq Close to 2011 Pullout Pact

Deal would also allow Iraq prosecutions of US soldiers who commit rape, murder

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 13, 2008 1:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – The US and Iraq are close to clinching a new security agreement which would include a targeted 2011 date for troop withdrawal—and a provision to allow US troops to be prosecuted in Iraqi courts. The US military has enjoyed blanket immunity from criminal prosecution, but under the new agreement soldiers who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape off duty would lose that immunity, reports the Wall Street Journal.

US resistance to the prosecution provision has been a major sticking point in the negotiations. The draft agreement includes a US troop withdrawal goal at the end of 2011. American soldiers would first pull out of Iraq's cities by the end of June 2009 to bases outside urban areas. That process has already begun in many parts of Iraq.

Under the proposed security agreement between the US and Iraq, US soldiers who commit crimes could be prosecuted in Iraqi courts. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks to the media after meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Al-Sistani indicated he would not block a long-term US security deal. (AP Photo/Alaa al-Marjani)

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice walks with Iraq's national security adviser, Mouwaffak al-Rubaie, and US Ambassador Ryan Crocker. A long-term security pact is close to agreement. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, Pool)

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US, Iraq Close to 2011 Pullout Pact

Deal would also allow Iraq prosecutions of US soldiers who commit rape, murder

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Iraq • United Nations • Nouri al-Maliki • immunity • security agreement • criminal prosecution • Mohammed al-Haj Humood • Ali al-Sistani

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First time Iraq has threatened prosecution against American soldiers

Iraq Security Deal Has US Troops Out of Cities By July

Legal immunity remains sticking point in pact yet to be approved by either side

Blackwater Ban Puts US Military in a Bind

With a rep for brutality, the security firm has enjoyed 'carte blanche'

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PM threatens to replace Sunnis with "alternative" ministers

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US, Iraq Close to 2011 Pullout Pact

Deal would also allow Iraq prosecutions of US soldiers who commit rape, murder

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • United Nations • Nouri al-Maliki • immunity • security agreement • criminal prosecution • Mohammed al-Haj Humood • Ali al-Sistani

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Iraqi PM Loses Election; Supporters Threaten Violence

UN condones votes, al-Maliki calls result 'not final'

Iraq PM Vows to Prosecute US Troops After Fatal Raid

First time Iraq has threatened prosecution against American soldiers

Iraq Security Deal Has US Troops Out of Cities By July

Legal immunity remains sticking point in pact yet to be approved by either side

Blackwater Ban Puts US Military in a Bind

With a rep for brutality, the security firm has enjoyed 'carte blanche'

Maliki Calls Summit to Heal Iraqi Cabinet

PM threatens to replace Sunnis with "alternative" ministers

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?