FCNL Statement on Iraq Withdrawal

Oct 27, 2011

As War in Iraq Ends, Time for New US Policy in the Region

President Obama announced on Friday October 21, 2011 that the United States will withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of this year. We at the Friends Committee on National Legislation welcome the announcement that the U.S. will adhere to the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement signed with Iraq in 2008. After nearly a decade of war, the end of U.S. military operations in Iraq is now in sight.

We are deeply saddened by the unnecessary losses suffered through a war of choice that was both illegal and pursued under false pretenses. FCNL's statement on March 20, 2003, as the U.S. began its invasion and occupation of Iraq, noted: “true security arises not from the exertion of military power and control, but from respect for international law and the lifting up of our common hopes, aspirations, and humanity.” After nearly ten tragic years of violence, bloodshed and compromising morals, this statement continues to ring true. War is not the answer.

Although US military forces will soon leave Iraq, for too many Iraqis and U.S. veterans, the devastating impact of the war will persist. Iraq continues to struggle to overcome successive decades of abusive regimes, war, and sanctions--in large part the result of U.S. policies that pursued war over diplomacy and short-term U.S. interests over long-term regional peace and human rights. The United States bears both a moral and a legal responsibility for helping rebuild Iraq. The U.S. also has a heavy debt to pay to its veterans.

Moreover, a number of questions remain about long-term U.S. presence and intentions in Iraq, such as the size of the U.S. embassy, purpose of contractors and long-term military relationship between the U.S. and Iraq. As the long-overdue transition from military to civilian US presence in Iraq unfolds, we urge the following:

• Vigorous congressional oversight of the process for the withdrawal and clear accountability for the remaining U.S. presence, particularly security contractors;
• Appropriate sizing of the U.S. embassy in Iraq, with attention to both the most constructive form of U.S. presence in the region and global diplomatic staffing and budget needs;
• Continued humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding assistance, guided and implemented by Iraqis as much as possible;

• Expedient fulfillment of commitments to U.S. veterans of benefits for healthcare, education and employment

Finally, we urge the administration and Congress to reshape U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East from fighting wars to preventing them. The U.S. should use this opportunity of change to articulate a consistent policy toward the region based on robust multilateral diplomacy, self-determination of all peoples, respect for international law, the protection of human rights, and the prevention of further violent conflict.

Diane Randall

Executive Secretary

Friends Committee on National Legislation

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