During months of negotiations, which began early this year, the most difficult issue proved to be the question of who would try American soldiers and Pentagon contractors for offenses such as the killing of Iraqi civilians.
U.S. negotiators demanded exclusive jurisdiction over all soldiers and contractors, presumably to protect them from politically motivated charges. But Iraq insisted on a role to convince the public that Iraqis — and not Americans — are in charge of their country.
Under the compromise, the U.S. would have the primary right to try troops and Pentagon contractors for alleged offenses committed on American bases or during military operations, the officials said.
Such language would presumably shield troops from prosecution for accidentally killing civilians caught in the crossfire during authorized combat operations.
But Iraq would have first crack at trying U.S. military personnel and contractors for major, premeditated crimes allegedly committed outside American bases and when they are not on an authorized mission, the officials said.
Most of the estimated 147,000 U.S. troops rarely leave their bases except on authorized missions, so it is unclear whether the change would send a significant number of Americans before Iraqi judges.
I seem to recall being on duty 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Being in the military isn't just a job where you become a civilian after 5:00 PM until 9:00 AM the next morning.
Just when would our troops be under Iraqi jurisdiction? I'm not complaining, mind you. Bravo on the wordsmithing, I say.
