Complete 11 page APA formatted essay: The Diplomatic Role of Residual US Forces in Iraq.This paper tells that starting August 31, 2010, Iraqi security forces have had full responsibility for major com

Complete 11 page APA formatted essay: The Diplomatic Role of Residual US Forces in Iraq.

This paper tells that starting August 31, 2010, Iraqi security forces have had full responsibility for major combat missions while the mission of US forces in Iraq have fundamentally changed into implementing three tasks: 1) training, equipping, and advising the Iraqi security forces. 2) conducting counterterrorism operations. and 3) providing protection for military and civilian personnel. Under the Status of Forces Agreement, all US troops will leave Iraq by the end of 2011 (“Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq” Whitehouse.gov). Last August 19, 2010, the last US combat brigade exited Iraq. The missions of the remaining troops have shifted from combat operations to counter-terrorism and training, equipping, and advising Iraqi security forces. Obama had announced August 31, 2010, that the US’ combat mission in Iraq was over&nbsp.(Jones, “Obama Announces Iraq Plan”). State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the US involvement in Iraq was far from over, but that it would be taking on a more civilian role. US long-term commitment to Iraq is spelled in a trillion-dollar investment to protect in the country and the memory of the 4,415 US troops who lost their lives in the conflict (“Last US combat brigade” BBC.co.uk). The principal aim of US policy in Iraq, behind all these efforts, including the rearming of Iraq, which is already underway, is intended to ensure that the post-Saddam state remains within the US sphere of influence rather than becoming an Iranian satellite. On the other hand, Iran is stepping up its campaign to install a Shiite-dominated Iraqi government that leans toward Tehran which involves covert political action as well as paramilitary operations. To implement this program, the UPI reported, “The Pentagon has proposed selling arms worth $4.2 billion to Iraq to bolster the country's military and provide other Persian Gulf states with massive infusions of weaponry to stand up to Iran.