U.S. troops’ role changes with new year

[unhappycamper]

U.S. troops’ role changes with new year
By Chelsea J. Carter - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 9:09:23 EST

TARMIYAH, Iraq — Army Capt. Christopher Loftis took in the scene: Iraqi soldiers raiding the home of a suspected insurgent wanted for participating in deadly attacks against U.S. and Iraqi troops.

An Iraqi lieutenant questioned three men found in the house about their brother: Was he home? No. Where was he? Syria. When did he leave? A year ago.

There were questions Loftis wanted asked, facts that needed to be clarified to determine whether they were lying. But under a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement that took effect hours earlier on New Year’s Day, Loftis could only make suggestions and recommendations to Iraqi troops.

“I would recommend they try to find a picture of the guy,” Loftis, an American liaison to the Iraqi forces, told the Iraqi lieutenant, who declined to be identified because of concern for his safety.

Here, under the cover of darkness in an area known as the Sunni Triangle, it was clear it was a new year with a new set of rules for American troops.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_workingtogether_010709/%2e