Iraq and the U.S. Want to be Friends Forever

Responding to a request by leaders of the new democratic Iraqi government to form "an enduring relationship with America," the White House yesterday issued a "U.S.-Iraq Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation."

The declaration, says the White House, is the first step of a three step process ultimately resulting in bilateral relations between the two nations in the areas of politics and diplomacy, economics and security. "We are ready to build that relationship in a sustainable way that protects our mutual interests, promotes regional stability, and requires fewer Coalition forces," states the declaration.

The second and third steps in the "nation-binding" process involve the renewal of the "Multinational Force-Iraq" Chapter VII United Nations mandate for another year, and the negotiation of agreements that will spell out the details of an on-going bilateral partnership after the expiration of the U.N. mandate.

The U.N. Chapter VII mandate authorizes the presence of multinational forces, including U.S. troops, in Iraq for purposes of maintaining stability and security though the end of 2008.

On November 26, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told the Turkish Press that Iraq no longer required the presence of the multinational forces and was ready to become a "normal state."

"I welcome and accept the expressed desire of the Iraqi leadership to develop a long-term relationship with the United States based on common interests," said President Bush in remarks at Kirtland AFB on Aug. 27, 2007. "The United States is committed to developing this relationship and to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the Iraqi government and its people."

Also See:
Iraq War Results & Statistics as of Nov 18, 2007 (Liberal Politics)
Facts and Data on Conditions In Iraq:" A Graphic Gallery (US Politics)