Iraqi VP: US blackmailing Iraq over SOFA

Press TV reports:

The US military has threatened to halt vital services in Iraq if Baghdad refuses to sign a controversial US security pact with Washington.

In addition to halting all military actions, US forces would cease activities that support Iraq's economy, educational sector and other areas- 'everything' - Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq'sVice President told the US newspaper McClatchy.

According to al-Hashemi, many Iraqi politicians view the move as 'political blackmail'.

Hashemi went on to say that Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top US military commander in Iraq, had provided Iraqi officials with a three-page list of the services which would be suspended if Iraq did not sign the so-called Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

The Iraqi Vice President said the threat 'caught Iraqi leaders by surprise'. "It was really shocking for us," he said. "Many people view this attitude as a kind of blackmail."

According to the US daily, US Embassy officials have confirmed that a lengthy list has been handed over to the Iraqi government.

The newspaper added that the services the US provides include protection of Iraq's principal borders, its oil exports, shipping through the Arvand Rud (Shatt al-Arab) and all air traffic control over Iraq.

Washington has been pushing for the signing of the security pact which would grant the US the right to set up military bases inside the country.

The controversial treaty, however, has sparked outrage among Iraq's political and religious leaders who consider the agreement as a blatant infringement on the country's sovereignty.

Imperial Congress blackmails Iraq to recognize Israel

The Jewish Daily Forward reports that Congress has passed a resolution demanding that Iraq recognize Israel or loose billions of dollars in US aid:

To the many challenges facing the fledgling Iraqi government, Congress may soon add this: Recognize the State of Israel and establish diplomatic ties with Jerusalem, or else risk losing some of the billions in aid that Baghdad receives from the United States.

A nonbinding resolution demanding Iraqi recognition of Israel was introduced June 5 in the House of Representatives and has already gained the support of more than 60 congressmen, including several leaders of the Foreign Relations Committee.

The resolution puts Congress far out in front of the Israeli government and the White House

No doubt, this will greatly increase the popularity of both the USA and Israel in Iraq...