Iraqi SA = Secruity Agreement.... or Separation Agreement

[TheCurmudgeon]

Not trying to snipe or beat a dead horse, but this line of thinking fails to separate a government from its politicians.

No, my comment was not intended for any particular politician. It was intended for any government in power at the time. I don't believe that any politician currently in office and looking towards an upcoming election can be seen as weak. Because of that they will not seek nor accept US military assistance. To me it is more of a question of overall culture rather than particular personality.

"I against my brother, my brother and I against my cousin, my cousin and I against the world" goes the old Arabic saying. Not really a lot of room in that philosophy for partnership or asking for help.

I am new here so I may be misreading what I am seeing. What I see is a Government and an Army made up of a very proud and headstrong people who no longer want our help. Probably never really did except where it does not make them appear incapable of handling things themselves. They want to stand or fall on their own.

What I hope is still possible is a strategic partnership that allow us to keep forces in the region.