Embassy of the United States Baghdad, Iraq

I.  UNITED STATES AGREEMENTS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

The relationship between the United States of America and The Republic of Iraq are currently guided by two historic agreements: a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) that covers our overall political, economic, and security relationship with Iraq, and a Security Agreement – otherwise known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) – that implements our security relationship.

Both agreements protect U.S. interests in the Middle East, help the Iraqi people stand on their own, and reinforce Iraqi sovereignty.

The Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) normalizes the U.S.-Iraqi relationship with strong economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security ties – and serves as the foundation for a long-term bilateral relationship based on mutual goals.  (PDF version full text) (647 KB)

The Security Agreement (SOFA) guides our security relationship with Iraq and governs the U.S. presence, activities, and eventual withdrawal from Iraq. This agreement ensures vital protections for U.S. troops and provides operational authorities for our forces so we can help sustain the positive security trends as we continue to transition to a supporting role. (PDF version full text) (2.17 MB)

• U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction Program in Iraq

Cleared landmines and unexploded ordnance from more than 18 million square meters across Iraq, boosting economic and agricultural development throughout the nation.  Provided mine- and unexploded ordnance- risk education to nearly 35,000 Iraqi men, women and children.  This includes an innovative program through the nongovernmental organization “Spirit of Soccer” to train male and female soccer coaches and to teach youth about the potential risks, which they in turn can spread throughout their communities. 

II.  UNITED STATES COMBAT MISSION WITHDRAWAL

--U.S. Shifts from Military to Civilian-Led Mission in Iraq

Washington — The United States has ended its seven-and-a-half-year-old military operation in Iraq and is shifting to a civilian-led mission to build a partnership with Iraq that will strengthen its government, industry and people, President Obama says.

--President Obama on End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.

--U.S. Civilian Engagement with Iraq

Under the terms of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, we are building a dynamic partnership with the Iraqi government and people.  U.S. government agencies are working to support Iraq's development in a range of sectors, including education, energy, trade, health, culture, law enforcement, and judicial cooperation.   PDF version full text (41.7 KB)

--U.S. Partnership with Iraq: Examples by Department

Specific information on programs and initiatives in Iraq led by departments of the U.S. Government.  PDF version full text  (125 KB)

--Facts and Figures on Drawdown in Iraq

“Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.”  - President Barack Obama, Camp Lejeune, February 27, 2009.  PDF version full text  (164 KB)