Troops get new rules of engagement in pact

[unhappycamper]

Troops get new rules of engagement in pact
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Dec 6, 2008 7:09:01 EST

BAGHDAD — The top U.S. commander in Iraq warned his troops Friday to expect subtle changes in the way they plan and carry out combat operations — including obtaining warrants before searching homes and detaining people — when the newly approved U.S.-Iraq security agreement takes effect on Jan. 1.

American troops have already begun implementing some of the changes, including conducting more joint operations with Iraqi soldiers and getting warrants before raids against suspected insurgents.

Iraq’s three-member presidential council signed off on the agreement Thursday, the final legal hurdle to enable the pact to go into effect next month — even though voters will have the final say in a referendum to be held by the end of July.

The pact replaces a U.N. mandate that gives the U.S.-led coalition sweeping powers to conduct military operations and detain people without charge if they were believed to pose a security threat. It requires U.S. troops withdraw from Baghdad and other cities by the end of June and leave the country entirely by January 1, 2012.

In a letter to the nearly 150,000 troops, Gen. Ray Odierno sought to reassure members of his command that the new agreement would not diminish their ability to defend themselves, even though new rules spelling out when, where and how soldiers can open fire will be published.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_iraq_pact_120508/%2e