振兴伙伴关系 美国与伊拉克撤军一年后[20121214].pdf

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 P o l i C y B R i E fRevitalizing the PartnershipThe United States and Iraq a Year after WithdrawalBy Melissa G.Dalton and Nora BensahelAmerican policy toward Iraq has been drifting since U.S.military forces completed their withdrawal one year ago.The United States has strategic interests in a strong,unified and sovereign Iraq.It also has clear diplomatic,economic and security objectives in Iraq,which are codified in the bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement(SFA).However,the U.S.government has not yet formulated a clear way to promote those interests,implement the SFA and manage divergent policies.Disagreements among sovereign states are normal,even for the closest allies and partners,but tensions over Iran and Syria are increasingly overshadowing areas of common interest.The current U.S.strategy toward Iraq is not robust enough to deal with these areas of contention.A revitalized strategic approach toward Iraq would promote U.S.interests while addressing such disagreements more effectively,potentially even establishing consequences for Iraqi actions that threaten the most vital U.S.interests.IntroductionOn December 17,2011,the United States withdrew its l