Korea Peninsula

38th parallel, popular name given to latitude 38° N that in East Asia roughly demarcates North Korea and
South Korea. The line was chosen by U.S. military planners at the Potsdam Conference (July 1945) near the end of World War II as an army boundary, north of which the U.S.S.R. was to accept the surrender of the Japanese forces in Korea and south of which the Americans were to accept the Japanese surrender. The line was intended as a temporary division of the country, but the onset of the Cold War led to the establishment of a separate U.S.-oriented regime in South Korea under Syngman Rhee and a communist regime in North Korea under Kim Il-sung.

After the outbreak of the Korean War between North and South Korea in June 1950, United Nations (UN) forces, which under U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur had come to the aid of the South, moved north of the 38th parallel in an attempt to occupy North Korea. With the intervention of Chinese troops in support of the North, the war came to a stalemate roughly along that parallel. The cease-fire line, fixed at the time of the armistice agreement, gave South Korea possession of an eastern mountainous area north of the parallel, which was the major battlefront when the demarcation line was fixed. Likewise, North Korea was given a roughly triangular portion of territory south of the 38th parallel and west of longitude 127° E that includes the city of Kaesŏng.

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) was created by pulling back the respective forces 1.2 miles (2 km) along each side of the boundary. It runs for about 150 miles (240 km) across the peninsula, from the mouth of the Han River on the west coast to a little south of the North Korean town of Kosŏng on the east coast. Located within the DMZ is the “truce village” of P’anmunjŏm, about 5 miles (8 km) east of Kaesŏng. It was the site of peace discussions during the Korean War and has since been the location of various conferences over issues related to North and South Korea, their allies, and the UN.

The areas north and south of the DMZ are heavily fortified, and both sides maintain large contingents of troops there. Over the years there have been occasional incidents and minor skirmishes but no significant conflicts. Since the end of the Korean War the DMZ, which was once farmland, has lain almost untouched and, to a large extent, has reverted to nature. In mid-2007 limited cargo-train service was resumed across the zone.

US 8th Army HQ
YONGSAN GARRISON, Seoul, Republic of Korea – 02-21-2013: Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of the Combined Forces Command, and Gen. Kwon Oh Sung, deputy commander, briefed President-Elect Park Geun-hye on the readiness and status of Combined Forces Command and provided her a tour of the key CFC facilities. President-Elect Park's visit reinforced the strong US-ROK Alliance that has been an enduring component of the security and stability of the Republic of Korea for nearly 60 years. President-Elect Park received a comprehensive command status report, outlining the high degree of readiness and strong capabilities of the military to defend the ROK. U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Sung Kim also participated in the meeting.

The Combined Forces Command is commanded by a four-star U.S. general, with a four-star ROK Army general as deputy commander. Its mission is to deter, or defend if necessary, outside aggression against the ROK. The armed forces of the United States have been serving in Korea since the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950. Since then, the ROK – US Alliance has evolved into one of the strongest, most effective alliances in the world.

Yongsan District (Yongsan-gu) is a district of Seoul, South Korea. Its name means "Dragon Hill". It sits to the North of the Han River under the shadow of Seoul Tower. Geographically, it is located right in the center of Seoul. It is home to roughly 250,000 people, and is divided into 20 dong, or neighborhoods. Notable locations in Yongsan District include Yongsan Station, the sprawling Yongsan Electronics Market, Haebangchon and the Itaewon commercial district. Itaewon which is a one and only redlight district of Korea

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2id/sets/72157632...

7th Air Force (Korea&Guam)
51st Fighter Wing
Osan Air Base, located just 48 miles south of the Korean DMZ, is home to the "Mustangs" of the 51st Fighter Wing and 24 tenant units, including 7th Air Force. As the most forward deployed permanently-based wing in the Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing is charged with providing mission ready Airmen to execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces. Our wing with its 24 PAA, F-16 and A-10 squadrons, along with a C-12 airlift flight and a myriad of base support agencies conducts the full spectrum of missions providing for the defense of the Republic of Korea.

8th Fighter Wing
Kunsan AB is located on the western side of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the yellow sea. It is approximately 150 miles south of Seoul. The base is named after Gunsan City, a port town seven and a half miles east of the installation, with population of approximately 300,000 people. Kunsan AB is home to the 8th Fighter Wing made up of two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 35th Fighter Squadron, and the 80th Fighter Squadron. Many interesting sites, to include temples and historical landmarks are within an easy driving distance.

http://www.andersen.af.mil

http://www.andersen.af.mil/units/index.asp


The C-5 Galaxy -- one of the largest aircraft in the world -- provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense. The aircraft carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice then provide field support required to help sustain the fighting force. The C-5 can carry outsize and oversize cargo intercontinental ranges and can take off or land in relatively short distances. Ground crews can load and off load the C-5 simultaneously at the front and rear cargo openings.


Ospreys of US Marines


US Marines


US marines

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SEOUL, Feb. 22 2013(Yonhap) -- North Korea may be able to develop nuclear-tipped long-range missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland in less than a decade if the country keeps up its nuclear ambitions, a former U.S. military commander in South Korea said

"If North Korea continues its military first policy and continues to put its full effort into nuclear missile development, it is my assessment that it could develop an operational ICBM capable of targeting the United States in the next five to seven years," Ret. Gen. Burwell Bell said in an email interview with Yonhap News Agency. 

He's been on my radar since 2010

"The good news is, President Obama was born in America. The bad news is, so was Donald Trump." —Jay Leno

"If Trump does become president, I hope he puts a wig on his plane and calls it Hair Force One." –Jimmy Kimmel

"Donald Trump has a great campaign slogan: 'A complex world demands complex hair.'" –David Letterman

"In an interview yesterday, Donald Trump said he has a good relationship with 'the blacks.' Well, not anymore." –Jimmy Kimmel

"Donald Trump showed his birth certificate to reporters. Who cares about his birth certificate? I want to know if that thing on his head has had its vaccinations." –Craig Ferguson

"Donald Trump might be running for president and he just released his birth certificate. It lists his eyes as 'blue' and his hair as 'ridiculous.'" –Conan O'Brien

"The White House is saying Donald Trump has 'zero percent chance' of being elected. Isn't that a little high?" –David Letterman

"If Donald Trump loves America so much, why does he keep outsourcing the job of his wife?" –Seth Meyers

"Trump is a little tone-deaf to the average American. He unveiled his slogan this week: 'Are you better off than you were four wives ago?'" —Bill Maher

"In an exclusive interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network Donald Trump said 'I believe in god.' But of course Donald thought he was talking about himself." –Jay Leno

"Maybe he should ease into this - by running for a lower office first, like President of the Hair Club for Men." –Jimmy Kimmel

"On Fox News, Donald Trump said Obama's birth certificate could indicate that he's a Muslim. Trump said he doesn't trust anyone with a foreign-sounding name, and neither does his daughter Ivanka." –Conan O'Brien

"Donald Trump called George W. Bush 'the worst president in the history of the United States.' Then he added, 'Until, of course, I'm elected.'" –Conan O'Brien

"Donald Trump is attacking President Obama's background. And I said, 'Wait a minute, Trump also is from a mixed background. He's half jack and half ass.'" –David Letterman

"Trump says that if he's elected, he won't let the presidency interfere with the Miss Universe pageant." –David Letterman

"How would Trump travel as president? Obviously, he'd use Hair Force One." –David Letterman

"It's starting to look like Donald Trump may be a serious presidential candidate. If you're in my line of work, Trump running for president for real is the greatest thing that has ever happened." –Conan O'Brien

Cost of War

The US war in Iraq has cost $1.7 trillion with $490 billion more owed in benefits to combat veterans, a recent study revealed. The report found that total expenses in the unavailing conflict could balloon to $6 trillion over the next 40 years. 

The study, conducted by the Costs of War Project by the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, concluded that the accrued interest on the nearly $2.2 trillion in expenses would amount to some $4 trillion dollars during the coming decades, Reuters reports. 

At the time of the 2003 invasion, the Bush administration estimated the war would cost between $50-60 billion. 

Published in advance of the 10th anniversary of the March 19 US-led invasion of Iraq, the study also estimated the great human cost inflicted by the nearly decade long conflict. 

At least 134,000 Iraqi civilians died as a result of the Iraq War, though the Watson Institute says the death toll could be up to four times higher. The report stated that with the inclusion of slain journalists, aid workers and insurgents, the base level death toll reached an estimated 176,000- 189,000. 

A 2006 peer-reviewed Lancet study had found that 650,000 Iraqis – both combatants and civilians – had died up to that point. Other estimates had previously put total war deaths as high as 1 million.  

An estimated 36,000 American military personnel were also killed or injured during the war.

The Watson Institute study further found that US gains from the invasion were negligible, while Iraq was still reeling from the war.  

“Despite the US military withdrawal,” the report says, 

“Iraq’s health, infrastructure, and education systems remain war-devastated.” The war further galvanized radical Islamist militants in the region and set back women’s rights, while

“the $212 billion reconstruction effort was largely a failure with most of that money spent on security or lost to waste and fraud.” The study was an update of a 2011 report which estimated the costs of the US military engagements in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq at $3.7 trillion. The latest report puts that cost at some $4 trillion dollars 

In the run up to the war, the US and the UK claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction which posed a threat to regional security. 

The U.S.‑led Iraq Survey Group would later conclude that Iraq had ended its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion. 

Cost Comparism

Al Qaeda spent roughly half a million dollars to destroy the World Trade Center and cripple the Pentagon. What has been the cost to the United States?” 

The U.S. government says precious little about these new ways of fighting enemies. But the strategic volte-face is clear: America has decided that conventional wars of uncertain outcome in Iraq and Afghanistan that may, according to a Brown University study, end up costing at least $3.7 trillion are a bad way to fight terrorists and that far cheaper, more precise tools for eliminating enemies are preferable — even if the legality of those killings is debatable 

“Air Force officials calculate that it costs $5 billion to operate the service’s global airborne surveillance network, and that sum is growing. The Pentagon has asked for another $5 billion next year alone for remotely piloted drone systems. Yet even those costs are tiny compared with the price of the big wars 

Estimated total cost of health care and disability compensation to veterans of the current wars will be nearly $1 trillion over the next 40 years 

In human terms, 224,000 to 258,000 people have died directly from warfare, including 125,000 civilians in Iraq. Many more have died indirectly, from the loss of clean drinking water, healthcare, and nutrition. An additional 365,000 have been wounded and 7.8 million people—equal to the combined population of Connecticut and Kentucky – have been displaced 

“More than $800 billion dollars in Pentagon direct spending has gone towards the war in Iraq. … That’s a far cry from the Bush administration’s early estimate of between $50 and $60 billion dollars 

Brown University's Costs of War project estimates that the United States has spent between $3.2 trillion and $4 trillion on the ‘war on terror’…We cannot afford, literally, to focus exclusively on foreign affairs alone, as if the choices we make in relations to other nations don't have an impact on our ‘domestic affairs’ or our economy. “ 

American military personnel have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. More than 6,000 of them, as well as 2,300 U.S. contractors, have died in the two wars. Some 150,000 U.S. soldiers and contractors have been wounded. Another 20,000 soldiers from U.S. allies and Iraqi and Afghani security forces have died 

LASTLY “The astonishing amount of money taxpayers have spent on the Afghanistan and Iraq wars – an average of $130 billion annually – could have been better invested in efforts aligned with Americans' values, and in particular, job creation. The Eisenhower Research Project's ‘Costs of War’ project, sponsored by Brown University, estimates that a year of war funding could have sparked 936,000 education jobs, 780,000 health care jobs, or 364,000 constructions jobs.” – US Rep. Pete Stark 

“The Brown project puts the wars’ ultimate cost … at up to US$4 trillion – equivalent to the country’s cumulative budget deficits for the six years from 2005 to 2010. Think of how many people that money could feed and school.” 

LAST DAYS OF A NORTH KOREAN KOMMANDO

(Credit to Insein Prison Warden)

When I met North Korean Commando Captain Kang Min Chul, it was in 1985 inside Insein Jail. At that time he was serving life sentence without parole.

I talked to him in Myanmar which he could speak and understand

He was missing his left arm, it was amputated just above the shoulder.

I asked him,” How are you doing Captain?”

He said,” Please call me Kang Min Chul, my name, I am not a Captain anymore” with a nice smile

I told him that I was surprised that he could manage Myanmar language very well. He again surprised me with his reading and writing skills of Myanmar language by reciting Buddhist Prayers without looking at text. His Myanmar language writing was excellent too.

The reason for his prison sentence in Insein Maximum Security Prison was his direct involvement in assassination of then ROK President GEN Chun Do Hwan by setting up explosives

What happened was the ROK President initially planned to lay wreath at Martyrs’ Mausoleum on October 9, 1983 at 10.30am. While all the ROK cabinet members and all other dignitaries assembled and waiting for the President to show up, at about 10.25am (3) North Korean Commandos triggered an powerful explosive and killed about (20) dignitaries and seriously injured (46). ROK President GEN Chun Do Hwan narrowly escaped the assassination attempt.

North Korean Commando Group consists of Major Zimmo, Captain Sin Kee Chul and Captain Kang Min Chul. Team leader was Major Zimmo. They departed North Korea port and arrived in Yangon port on August 22, 1983. On arrival, one small boat approached their mother ship and someone said “ Follow me”. There were (2) men. Then Maj Zimmo, Capt Sin Kee Chul and Capt Kang Ming Chul rode in black sedan comfortably while enjoying views of Capital City of Yangon. At the same time they just started to feel he pressure of the responsibilities.

“You will be serving for your Father Country, paying back what was left to do in history. You have to complete it regardless of any circumstances. If you die, you die like heroes” Maj Zimmo was thinking back what DPRK Special Forces GEN Kim Chan Su said prior to their departure from North Korea

The black sedan drove into one of the diplomatic compound on (154/A), 2nd Thiri Yeiktha, Ahlone Township where it was the residence of DPRK diplomatic mission chief Mr Hee and (2) diplomatic members. Someone brought in beers and food. They ate altogether

“We have to stay here in this house until we get our explosives and other supplies. Someone will bring here. You have one and a half month to observe geography and surrounding landscape of the target. You have to mark up all penetration and escape routes. We are here to do the job for our father country, once the job is over, we have to find a way out to get to the rescue ship. The most important thing to is to get it done. The company will honor you all if it is successful, if not we are done”

Major Zimmo was cool and eyes were sparkling when finishing that sentence. Captain SKChul was thinking deep and getting strength. Captain KMChul and him were thinking back and forth about their job and in deep quiet thoughts

(2) days later, they received (2) big wheeled bags. Major Z checked the bags and confirmed that these were all explosives they have been waiting for. They are all familiar with all of this. Major Z divided stuff among them and given to other team members for use

They have been hanging out in Capital City of Yangon for a while, observing, walking along downtown boulevards such as Maha Bandoola, Anawratha, cruising down Pansodan to Jetty street along the Yangon River bank and looked at ocean going ships and said that the escape route should be this way to get to the ocean.

Major Zimmo said” You two mark it up, this shall be your escape route”

Major Zimmo pulled out the map, walk along the bank to Bo Ta Taung. Then get inside the Bo Ta Taung Jetty. Then rent e taxi and went to Pa Zon Taung then walked to Tha Ke Ta, and Tha Ke Ta bridge. Then back to their house

Many many days later after the same routine, they were so familiar with Yangon, and all in/out routes, they felt like they were ready for the job

On September 5th, 1983 9am, Major Z reported to his command and got final ‘go’ personally from MAJ GEN KK Su. Major Zimmo turned back and looked the other two and said proudly, “Commanding General confirmed and approved the plan, we have (2) days and our target will be here in Yangon. Finally we have chance to do the job. We will go and do final check to target area once the target date is closer”

On October 6th,1983 the day of the final check, Captain KMChul was wearing Myanmar dress. The other (2) were wearing T shirts and Batik short pants up to their knees, headed for Shwe Da Gone Pagoda. They went up to Shwe Da Gone Pagoda bypassing Martyr’s Mausoleum. They already have reviewed and observed terrain around Martyr’s Mausoleum so many times so they do not even need a map anymore. Then they went into a KanDawGyi park, sat by lake, came back out, spend some time at tea shop, and from Bahan Circle, coming back to Shwe Da Gone Pagoda, then walking along U WiSara Road, stopped at WaZiRa Cinema Hall and observed Martyr’s Mausoleum 

from there and back to where they lived

“Lets start tonight” Major Z said.

“Lets get out of this can and we position near the target area”

“ We have to plant explosives tomorrow night”

“Lets get out and observe again”

On that night, they spend the whole night in KanDawGyi park, resting on bench underneath a big tree in the park. They went back to house to rest the whole day.

On October 8th night, they were out again. This time they brought the explosives with them. By 2am all (3) went into Martyr’s Mausoleum from south side and climbed onto roof and set the explosives all over. Captain KM Chul was watching for the backs.

“Are you panicking?” Major Z asked Captain KMChul. Captain KMChul confessed so many years later to prison warden ”I have never thought about betraying my country, however, the responsibilities for this job is so tremendously big, that only worries me all the time”

When the daylight came, they left the target area and got breakfast at Myay Ni Gone. About 7.30am they left the food place, walked towards Shwe Da Gone Pagoda and looked around the situation near Martyr’s Mausoleum. Only now They have seen the security personals and the activities around Mausoleum according to assassins. They avoided those securities and walked back to Wazira Cinema Hall. They saw car garage between cinema hall and gas station.

“Lets hang around inside tea shop”

Inside tea shop, no one noticed them that they were on a mission. They drank coffee, and ate without talking and they paid bill and left tea shop about 10am. The walked back to Wazira Cinema Halls again. And then they saw a guarded motorcade passing

Major Zimmo looked at the other two meaningfully and said,” They are coming. We have (5 )minutes. We will split up, you (2) leave together. We will meet up at designated point later”

They shook hands and encouraged each other as they left. Then Major Zimmo left towards Wazira Cinema Hall. Captain KMChul and Captain SKChul waited nearby. Then suddenly, they heard very loud 'boom' from the direction of Mausoleum. The explosion cracked high in the sky above, shook them both, the earth around and underneath. Captain KMChul and Captain SK Chul looked at each other and quickly left the area

The news spread quickly. ROK President GEN Chun Do Hwan did not die. Instead

Seo Seok-jun, deputy Prime Minister

Lee Beom-seok, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Kim Dong-hwi, Minister of Commerce

Suh Sang-Chul, Minister of Power Resources

Ham Byeong-chun, Presidential Chief of Staff

Lee Gye-cheol, Ambassador to Burma

Kim Jae-ik, senior Presidential Secretary for Economic

Ha Dong-seon, Planning Director of International Cooperation Committee

Lee Gi-uk, Vice-Minister of Finance

Gang In-hui, Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Forest, Fishery

Kim Yong-hwan, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology

Sim Sang-u, a member of the National Assembly

Min Byeong-seok, physician in attendance on the President

Lee Jae-gwan, presidential press secretary

Han Gyeong-hui, a presidential guard

Jeong Tae-jin, a presidential guard

Lee Jung-hyeon, reporter of The Dong-a Ilbo

All (17) perished and (32) injured from ROK delegation. They all went back to ROK in coffins and now resting in peace inside their own Mausoleum at Seoul's National Cemetery

Next day, the October 10th, 1983 at 9.45pm residents saw a suspicious person swimming in the PazonnDaung Canal. He exploded the grenade when he was surrounded, caused (3) civilians injured. Port Police apprehended the suspect and found out that was Major Zimmo. The blast caused him both legs, both hands and both eyes

Next day, the October 11th, 1983 at 6am Captain SKChul and Captain KMChul rented a boat. The boat owner notified police in Kauk Hmuu Township. During that interrogation they exploded a device, injuring (3) policemen. During that shootout Captain SKChul was killed by police personals. The other escaped

Next day, the October 12th, 1983 at 7am Captain KMChul was found alive and surrounded. He refused to surrender, a platoon from Myanmar 90th Infantry Battalion tried to catch him alive, he committed suicide by setting off explosive device. The blast caused (3) soldiers’ lives and Captain KMChul was caught alive finally

Final sentence for Major Zimmo was to be hanged by a rope. He was hanged to death by a rope during a month of April, 1985, one and a half years after assassination attempt. We have difficulties to hang Major Zimmo. In order to be hanged, he supposed to be handcuffed, and tied both hands at the back. For lower torso, we had to tie both feets. We could not do none of it because he was missing hands and legs. We had to lifted him up, put the rope around his neck and …hanged him.

Final sentence for Captain KM Chul was life without parole. He stayed in Insein Prison until his death in 2008. During that period, ROK diplomats came to prison and persuaded him for t least (3) or (4) times to come to South Korea. He said “No”. He said he would rather live in Insein forever….until….

SALUTE TO UNKNOWN COURAGEOUS SOLDIERS,POLICE, CIVILIANS WHO HAS GIVEN THEIR LIVES TO THE COUNTRY QUIETLY, VALIANTLY DURING THIS ORDEAL WHICH WAS UNPRECEDENTED IN MODERN WORLD HISTORY

WHATS UP WITH TURKEY

The US military pact with autonomous Kurdistan violates Iraq’s integrity and moves the Iraqi Kurds closer to permanent separation from the rest of the country

In a surprise move, the United States last week signed a military agreement with the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) in northern Iraq which would allow Washington to establish close military and security ties with the region which is seeking independence from Iraq.

The pact, signed by Elissa Slotkin, US acting assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs and the KRG’s interior minister, is unprecedented and breaks new ground in US relations with the Iraqi Kurds.

By and large, the little-publicised but critical partnership deal will have far-reaching implications for Iraq’s fragile ties with its self-ruled Kurdish community.

It is the first time the government of Iraq’s northern autonomous enclave has signed a political, military and financial cooperation pact with a foreign country bypassing the central government in Baghdad.

The pact is a clear violation of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, ironically drafted under the supervision of the US Occupying Authority. The constitution gives the central government the exclusive power to sign agreements with foreign countries. 

The deal is also in breach of the 2008 US-Iraq Agreement which paved the way for the United States to pull its troops out from Iraq and set the terms for future bilateral relations.

Announcing the deal on 12 July, a spokesman for the KRG said the agreement would allow the United States to provide the Iraqi Kurds with further military and financial support in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group.

Omid Sabah said the main purpose of the agreement was to shore up Kurdish Peshmerga capabilities in preparation for the long-awaited offensive to retake Iraq’s second-largest city of Mosul from IS militants.

Iraqi security forces have launched an operation against IS in Mosul and succeeded in retaking some villages south of the city. The US expects Kurdish Peshmergas to take part in the assault by opening another front east and north of Mosul.

Neither the KRG nor the Pentagon released details about the military agreement, but Kurdish officials hailed it as a historic breakthrough for the Iraqi Kurds.

It is “a recognition and appreciation of the value of the Peshmergas’ sacrifices and a contribution to stability and the defense of liberty, democracy and humanity,” KRG spokesman Safeen Dizayee was quoted as saying by ARA News. 

Fishar News, an outlet close to Masoud Barzani, the de facto leader of the KRG, reported that under the agreement the US army would establish five military bases in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Fishar News reported that one US air base would be built in Harir some 70 km north of Erbil, the KRG provincial capital. The base would be used to host American jet fighters and helicopters as well as military advisers.

Another military base will be established in Alton Kopri south of Erbil and will be used to store light weapons, while two other bases will be built in KRG-controlled areas in Mosul, the media outlet said.

A stunning surprise is that the US will be allowed to build the fifth military base in Halabja on the border with neighbouring Iran, according to the Fishar News report.

The outlet said the deal had a term of 20 years and could be renewed upon agreement by the two parties.

Kurditan24.net, a Kurdish-language television network owned by the KRG, said Kurdistan would receive some $450 million in financial assistance in addition to unspecified military assistance from the US. 

The Iraqi government has remained tight-lipped on the controversial deal which came on the heels of a previously unannounced visit by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to Baghdad.

Baghdad’s silence has prompted speculation about pressure being put on it by Washington, which is helping the Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmergas to retake Mosul from IS.

The United States says its assistance to Iraq and the Peshmergas is essential in gaining ground in the war against IS terrorists and retaking Mosul before Obama’s presidential term expires in November.

Obama clearly hopes the recapture of Mosul will allow him to hand on a more stable Iraq to his successor, even though the US is expected to maintain substantial military forces in Iraq.

While this could provide a summary of the thinking behind the US mission in Iraq, the question remains of how the US-KRG deal could affect the larger picture, including Kurdish aspirations to leave Iraq.

The greatest irony is that Washington has infringed on the same document it signed to ensure its respect of Iraq’s integrity and unity following its exit from the country.

Under the 2008 “Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq,” Washington pledged “full respect for the sovereignty of Iraq”.

The United States also undertook that it “shall not use Iraqi land, sea and air as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries; nor seek or request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq.”

Washington may argue that the military deal does not translate into backing for Kurdish independence from Iraq, yet it could certainly spell trouble for efforts to keep the country together.

Barzani has been seeking to secede from Iraq, and he has declared his intention to hold a referendum on separation “before the US elections” in November.

The vote on self-determination could be an attempt to put more pressure on his opponents and sceptics and build up a de facto situation making a case for Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence.

While the United States has supported Kurdish autonomy within a unified Iraq, it has refrained from expressing public support for Kurdistan’s statehood.

Last month, the US reiterated its support for “a whole [and] unified Iraq”. “We believe that a strong, pluralistic, unified Iraq is good for the region,” State Department Spokesman John Kirby said in response to Barzani’s independence plans.

But Washington’s military agreement with the KRG has cast doubt, if not eliminated, that commitment altogether. With this deal, the political influence of Baghdad in Kurdistan is now expected to wane in favour of increasing Kurdish separatist tendencies

Oil is the name of game in Iraq _January 31 2016

In a surprise move, the United States has announced that it will deploy a new force of special operations troops to Iraq to combat the Islamic State (IS) terror group which has seized swathes of the country and neighbouring Syria.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter wrote in the US publication Politico last week that soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division would soon deploy to Iraq to join the fight against IS “with a clear campaign plan to deliver the barbaric organisation a lasting defeat.”

Though Carter did not give details about the deployment, he said the troop mission was to destroy the IS “parent tumour in Iraq and Syria by collapsing its two power centres in Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria.”

“Our campaign is to deliver IS a lasting defeat,” Carter wrote.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said “the government of Iraq was of course briefed in advance of secretary Carter’s announcement” and the two sides would work out details about the new deployment.

Joseph F Dunford Jr, the US top military officer, also said discussions between Washington and Baghdad had begun on how American forces would “integrate” with Iraqi military units to take back Mosul.

The move is a sharp departure from US President Barack Obama’s previous strategy that the US would not deploy “boots on the ground” in Iraq and Syria and would continue instead its current air campaign and military assistance to the Iraqi government.

Baghdad has not yet made it clear if it had agreed to let the US troops into Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has repeatedly said foreign ground combat troops are not needed in Iraq. Leaders of the country’s Shia groups have warned that they will consider such a presence a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.

If the statements by top American officials are any indication, the United States is now gearing up for war with IS, including in the battle for Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city which was captured by the terror group in spring 2014.

Analysts believe that the US-led coalition against IS needs to take back Mosul where Saddam's Hussein sons Uday and Qusay were captured and killed back in 2003, a sprawling city of more than two million people, and the US military shift signals Washington’s readiness to engage IS strongholds with ground combat operations.