READ: the U.S. Army Letter Notifying Iraq of Coalition Withdrawal

DB Daily Update ^ | David Blackmon

[EyesOfTX]

Today, President Donald Trump called the Iraqi government’s bluff, authorizing the commanding general of joint coalition forces in Iraq to send a formal letter to the Iraqi commanding officer notifying him of pending operations for coalition forces to depart from Iraq. This comes in the wake of the vote of the Iraqi parliament over the weekend to demand U.S. forces leave the region.

Here is a photo of the letter that is circulating on social media:

Image

Text:

sLTG Abu Amir Deputy Director, Combined Joint Operations,Baghdad Iraq-Ministry of Defense

Sir: In due deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi parliament and Prime Minister, CTJF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement.

In order to conduct this task, Coalition Forces are required to take certain measures to ensure that the movement out of Iraq is conducted in a safe and efficient manner.

During this time, there will be an increase in helicopter travel in and around the International Zone (IZ) of Baghdad. This increased traffic will include CH-47, UH-60 and AH-64 security escort helicopters.

Coalition forces will take appropriate measures to minimize and mitigate the disturbance to the public. In addition, we will conduct these operations during hours of darkness to help alleviate any perception that we may be bringing more coalition forces into the IZ.

As we begin implementing this next phase of operations, I want to reiterate the value of our friendship and partnership. We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure.

Very respectfully,

WILLIAM H. SEELY, III Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding General, TF-Iraq

[End]

As we have repeatedly pointed out here at the Campaign Update, one of the main reasons why Donald J. Trump was elected to the presidency in 2016 was his promise to get U.S. armed forces personnel out of the myriad interminable Middle East conflict into which his predecessors in office had gotten our country entangled.

Trump’s basic message during the campaign was that these wars between various Islamic countries and factions have been going on for eons, and nothing the U.S. can do – no amount of treasure or lives sacrificed – will end that reality. So, let the Islamic states in the region fight it out amongst themselves, and focus U.S. military efforts in the Middle East on protecting our assets and few real allies there – Israel and Saudi Arabia, mainly.

The Iraqi parliament’s demand over the weekend, whether serious or not, plays directly into the President’s hands in this regard.

It is also key to note that this strategic gambit would not be possible were it not for the fact that the U.S. today enjoys a much higher level of energy security than it did during past presidencies, thanks mainly to the shale oil and gas revolution that has taken place here over the past decade. The U.S. is not completely energy “independent” and probably never will be, but our country today has very little compelling national interest in risking American lives and treasure to keep the oil spigots in countries like Iran and Iraq open.

So, this letter from Brig. General Seely now puts the ball squarely back in the Iraqi government’s court. President Trump has basically said, hey, if you want to become a client state of the mullahs in Iran, go for it.

It will be interesting to see how Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi responds.

That is all.

[Harpotoo]

Let’s see what the iraqi PM does now:-)

[SeekAndFind]

RE: This comes in the wake of the vote of the Iraqi parliament over the weekend to demand U.S. forces leave the region.

By their law, shouldn’t the Prime Minister sign the resolution first before it becomes official?

Also, this was a partisan vote as half of their parliament was EMPTY during the vote. Only the Shiites voted for it. The Sunnis and the Kurds were CONSPICOUSLY ABSENT.

[Berlin_Freeper]

You should never argue with a crazy mind (mmm)
You oughta know by now
You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime
Is that all you get for your money
If that’s what you have in mind
If that’s what you’re all about
Good luck movin’ up
‘Cause I’m moving out
I’m moving out
https://youtu.be/8buJ2-oD02E

[gibsonguy]

At some point the world is going to learn you don’t challenge Trump. He doesn’t bluff he wins.

[2banana]

This is called be careful what you wish for...especially with someone who plays 5D chess.

[FirstFlaBn]

Oh noes! Trump is going to start a war by refusing to fight one. (otherwise known as Dem logic)

[Bruiser 10]

Trump’s basic message during the campaign was that these wars between various Islamic countries and factions have been going on for eons, and nothing the U.S. can do – no amount of treasure or lives sacrificed – will end that reality. So, let the Islamic states in the region fight it out amongst themselves, and focus U.S. military efforts in the Middle East on protecting our assets and few real allies there – Israel and Saudi Arabia, mainly.

Finally, some sanity.

[thefactor]

Esper just called this memo BS.

[GreyFriar]

Seeing that the Iraq parliament did not have a quorum when this resolution was passed and has not been signed by the interim president of Iraq, I see no reason to send any such letter. I’m in doubt about its authenticity.

[SunkenCiv]

• U.S.-led coalition says it will withdraw from Iraq -letter

[GreyFriar]

Or signed by the Iraqi prime minister.

[mrsmith]

Yeah.
Seems the General overdid the diplomacy...

[thefactor]

I bet that General is on a plane home right now.

[mrsmith]

IDK. Maybe...
But if we can “have it both ways” why not?

[Repeal The 17th]

I think someone pranked Reuters with this (fake) letter..

[thefactor]

I want to know if that letter was actually sent or if it was just drafted and someone took a picture of it. There is always more to these stories.

[xrmusn]

Interesting how the same people who - on New Years Eve were railing PDJT over the coals calling or insunating that he had no gonads, he was scared of Iraq/Iran, he didn’t have the stomach for strong leadership, stood by while the Embassy was being attacked....etc.....etc

Today, these same people are calling him a war monger, dirty player, cheap shot artist etc etc etc.

Like EVERY appointee he has made- be it Cabinet or Department head was met with guffaws etc.

When he FIRED them they didn’t even have the common sense to imply that THEY were right, the appointee was NFG, they got on PDJT for firing such a ‘fine man/woman’ who has dedicated their life to the country.

I still would like to see PDJT sign an EO and proclaim that EVERYONE must inhale and exhale every few seconds.

A good many libs would drop over in nano seconds trying to defy him and not pay attention.

IDIOTS

[Responsibility2nd]

US Defense Secretary: There has been no decision to leave Iraq
Arutz Sheva ^ | 6/1/20 | Elad Benari

[mrsmith]

I think it was. Sources say they got it from Iraqi officials.
Just too much diplomatese IMO.

The letter does not say we are withdrawing- just that we’re preparing to.