"New" orders issued to U.S. troops after Iraq pact approval sound exactly like the old order.

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BAGHDAD (AFP) — The top US military commander in Iraq on Friday issued new orders to troops after the Iraqi government approved a landmark military pact that will give it increased control over their operations.

"US forces will continue to be authorized to engage in combat operations," General Raymond Odierno, the commander of US forces in Iraq, wrote in a letter to the troops.

"However, under the terms of the new agreement, we will coordinate and execute those operations with the approval of the (Iraqi government), and we will conduct all operations by, with, and through the Iraqi security forces."

The pact -- which will take effect when the troops' UN mandate expires at the end of the month -- will grant Iraq veto power :rofl:over virtually all US operations.

"We will continue to focus on combating Al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, but we must do so with respect for the Iraqi constitution and laws," Odierno wrote.

"But there will not be any reduction in our fundamental ability to protect ourselves and the force," he added.


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