Feral Jundi

     Get the word out guys.  If your company is not explaining to you the legalities of the SOFA, then you need to read it yourself and talk about it within your group.  I have yet to hear any legal organizations interpreting the SOFA as it applies to the security contracting community in Iraq. It is my belief that companies have a legal obligation, as does the US government, to describe exactly how this SOFA is to be implemented and how it applies to us.  I will try to get the word out on the forums, and please feel free to pass this around so everyone gets the word.  Read it, understand it, and protect yourself and your team. –Head Jundi

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U.S. Officials: Time is Short for Troop Agreement in Iraq

Thursday , October 23, 2008

WASHINGTON — 

U.S. officials are telling Iraq’s government that the window is closing to accept a Status of Forces Agreement that would outline the number of U.S. troops in Iraq.

FOX News has exclusively obtained the first English version of the draft agreement, which has been under negotiation for the seven months. But in recent days the Iraqi side has indicated it is dissatisfied with some of the provisions, though it has not formally requested changes to the agreement. That has caused a lot of frustration for Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other U.S. officials, sources told FOX News.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Monday that U.S. negotiators — the top commander on the ground Gen. Ray Odierno and Ambassador Ryan Crocker — are in regular contact with the Iraqis but have not been given any new terms.

(more…)

     So I guess it has all come down to who has legal jurisdiction over the US Military/Contractors.  I for one am glad that finally, we are being lumped together in this agreement, and not separate.  The whole off duty thing I can buy into, because obviously you will have to be accountable for your actions in that situation.  But on duty, and in Iraq, there is plenty keeping us in line(UCMJ comes to mind).  

     Of course that is my opinion on the matter, and I hope the US negotiators don’t back down on this.  And of course Sadr is going to push this issue, because it helps him politically speaking to look like he is a champion of the Iraqi.  Or is he just being a champion of his supporters….?  Anyways, I hope this turns out well.  Inshallah. –Head Jundi 

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Iraq seeking changes to US deal

Tuesday, 21 October 2008 

Iraq’s cabinet is demanding changes to a draft agreement with Washington that would allow US forces to stay until 2011, a government spokesman has said.

“The cabinet have agreed that necessary amendments to the pact could make it nationally accepted,” Ali Dabbagh said, without specifying the changes.

The draft was presented last week after months of painstaking US-Iraq talks.

US officials have not said if they are willing to renegotiate the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

The draft agreement calls for a drawdown of US combat forces from Iraq by the end of 2011 and includes US concessions on immunity for US troops who break Iraqi law.

(more…)