Memory Shocker For The Media: November 17, 2008, Bush Admin., Iraq Ratify End of U.S. Incursion

November 17, 2008: U.S. and Iraqi Parliament ratified a status of forces agreement that mandated the end of 2011 as the date by which American troops must leave Iraq.


BAGHDAD — With a substantial majority, the Iraqi Parliament on Thursday ratified a sweeping security agreement that sets the course for an end to the United States’ role in the war and marks the beginning of a new relationship between the countries.

Baghdad Bureau:

The pact, which still must be approved by Iraq’s three-person presidency council, a move expected in the next few days, sets the end of 2011 as the date by which the last American troops must leave the country.

Its passage, on a vote of 149 to 35, according to a parliamentary statement, was a victory for Iraq’s government as well as for the often fractious legislative body, which forged a political compromise among bitterly differing factions in 10 days of intense negotiations.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/middleeast/28iraq.html?_r=0

Text of agreement:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/20081119_SOFA_FINAL_AGREED_TEXT.pdf

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The memory hole also contains evidence Obama wanting to keep troops in Iraq after 2011 for now and even then, obvious reasons, and being refused by Iraq. The Google is your friend, journos.