For lack of a Status of Forces agreement, the United States pulled virtually all of its military forces from Iraq in 2011. Since then, the Iraq army has come close to collapse and large portions of the country have fallen under the control of ISIS. The administration has dispatched American forces to train and advise the Iraqis. And a few to provide force protection for the trainers and advisors. Most recently, as Michelle Tan of Army Times reports, some 250 paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. One presumes these troops will be wearing boots and that they will be standing on Iraqi ground.
Now, the AP is reporting:
America’s new Ambassador to Iraq says his government has come to an agreement with Baghdad on “privileges and immunities” for U.S. troops based in the country.
Better late …
