Why, after so many months, was the US-Iraq security pact approved now? True, the two countries were facing a deadline of December 31, when the UN authority for the occupation expires, but they could have gone back to the UN for a temporary extension or simply signed a bilateral statement not nearly as involved as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)approved yesterday by the Iraqi Cabinet.
Here's the reason, in my opinion. The election of Barack Obama changed Iran's calculus, and so Iran decided, very subtly, to shift to neutral on the pact. As a result, many politicians in Iraq who are either influenced by Iran or who are outright Iranian agents now support the pact. It's an important sign from Tehran to Obama that they're willing to work with the United States.
Peacenik wonders if Obama could do a Nixon, travel to Iran, and change the whole calculus of the middle east. Right now, in the post election feel good days, anything seems possible. Can you U.S. change its policy? Maybe. But watch the media, the neo-cons, and the military try to cut Obama down to size. Peacenik hopes Obama fires a few generals quickly. Unfortunately, if the democrats leave neo-con Lieberman in a chairmanship it sends a bad message.
