The last of US military combat troops are leaving Iraq in the next few days, at the same time that the American based hotel chain Best Western announces plans to develop a new business/luxury hotel. By no means is the situation normal in Iraq: recent bombings and sectarian violence and continued political divisions as to the country’s future. Also, the US will maintain a very sizable diplomatic presence – estimated at just around 17,000 people. A small military presence for training, around 5,000 – 6,000 is also expected to continue, although Washington would have preferred a larger deployment except that Baghdad did not want to agree to the Pentagon’s conditions regarding the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) – with the Blackwater shooting death of 17 Iraqis in 2007 still a flashpoint. (Read: - “US Did Not Want Complete Iraq Withdrawal” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/us-did-not-want-complete-iraq-withdrawal-by-ambassador-mo/37687 As US Leaves-Was it Liberator or Occupier? The US military presence will be viewed as a mixed blessing for Iraq and the US, even if we take into consideration the big achievement of ridding the country and globe of a ruthless tyrant Saddam Hussein. Iraq has suffered much in terms of its citizens, economic development, environment, cultural history and societal fabric. Insurgency and violence continue while democracy remains tenuous. Is Iran or US Biggest Winner as Consequence? From the US perspective, there has to be wonder how did we come to be seen as self-serving occupiers rather than saviors who in the end are being effectively kicked out? More immediately, how is it that Tehran’s regime is in better position to take advantage of the liberation from Saddam and the new Iraq than the US? Answer is more generic than specific to the US presence in Iraq: the longer a foreign military mission persists in someone else’s country the more it becomes perceived as occupation or even perhaps oppressive. The specifics of US intervention in Iraq only made it worse over time. Hostility with a critical Iraq neighbor, Iran, has fueled suspicion while perceived arrogance of US officials has only added to resentment of a foreign power. Commerce & Culture More Effective than Military/Political Domination? The Best Western Hotel development though represents what is generally most appreciated about the US and most western democracies – economic opportunity and innovation. Iraq is not lost as a potential economic or even diplomatic partner. Iraq still has valuable natural and cultural resources that will draw business and tourists. Washington does not have to dictate in order for Americans and American enterprises to benefit. Top PHOTO – Iraq PM Al-Maliki visits White House & President Obama at end of US military mission. Bottom PHOTO – Planned Best Western Hotel in Iraq. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice