The Absence of a Political Strategy Erodes US Leverage

Abstract

Reconciliation seemed far away and Prime Minister Maliki continued his sectarian agenda. As the UN resolution providing legal basis for U.S. troops in Iraq was due to expire at the end of 2008, the U.S. had to negotiate a new agreement with the Iraqi government. Together with the U.S. commitment to the withdrawal timeline this gave Maliki more leverage. As discussions focused on when the U.S. forces would leave, reconciliation was further side-lined.