Washington, D.C. – With the dawning of the New Year, the United States Government has now formally relinquished control over the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. The Republican Palace Green zone was returned on January 2nd, and is a symbol of the continuing improvement in the nation of Iraq overall.
The transfer was part of the overall “Status of Forces Agreement,” that also began with the start of the New Year. It replaces the previous agreement that was in effect, authored by the United Nations.
With the new agreement the Nation of Iraq has assumed control of its own destiny and the United States is in overwatch or support role. This is at the request and approval of both the United States, and Iraq, who is eager to prove their ability to maintain their self rule and independence.
There are still soldiers from the Coalition and U.S. Forces at different checkpoints in the Green Zone, but the process to hand all of these responsibilities over to Iraqi Soldiers has already began for several months.
The Coalition soldiers are not in operational control at these checkpoints but as supervisory and training mode only.
