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PAUL D. EATON
MAJOR GENERAL, U.S. ARMY (RETIRED)
26 March 2007
House Committee on Foreign Affairs

I am Paul D. Eaton and I retired from the United States Army 1 January 2006 in the grade of Major General. From June, 2003 until March, 2004, I was the Commanding General of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT) in Iraq, charged with rebuilding the Iraqi Armed Forces. From March, 2004 until June, 2004, I was further charged with the development of all Iraqi Security Forces.

The Problem

The Iraq War has created a substantial refugee drama in and around Iraq. At this time, various reports reveal that there are nearly 1.9 million internally displaced Iraqis, most occurring after the initiation of large scale sectarian violence following the destruction of the Samarra Mosque in February, 2006. Key areas affected include Baghdad and vicinity and Kirkuk. Many other cities remain less affected, while the northern Kurd (most Kurds are Sunni) provinces continue to absorb large numbers of displaced Iraqis, many of whom are Sunni.

Externally located refugees, most located in Syria (1.2 million refugees) and Jordan (800 thousand refugees) are at increasing risk as resources to sustain them dry up. Military age males are frequently turned back at the borders; work visas are non-existent.

United States Reaction

Since 2003, records reveal that 466 visas have been accorded to Iraqi refugees, with an additional 50 per year accorded to translators and other Iraqis who have worked closely with the US. It appears now that for 2007 the number of émigrés authorized to come to the United States will grow to 7,000 and there is mounting pressure to admit up to 20,000.

Historical Perspective

Following the defeat of South Vietnam by North Vietnam in April, 1975, the United States allowed over 135,000 South Vietnamese to emigrate, in addition to several hundred thousand Hmong, Lao and Cambodian refugees.

In 2006, the US admitted 84,000 Indians and 70,000 Chinese.

Since the mid 1970's, the United States has allowed 37,000 Iraqis to emigrate, including the Iraqi Kurds admitted during Operation Provide Comfort.

Discussion

Many Iraqis have worked in critical positions in direct support of US operations. Many have been killed or injured in reprisals for their support of the American effort. Many more have fled the country in fear of being killed themselves. We have a moral obligation to assist those who have allied themselves in our mission in Iraq. Failure to keep the faith with those who have thrown their lot in with us will hurt us in future counter-insurgent efforts.

Recommendations

Immediately identify those Iraqis who have worked closely with the United States, who are at risk and who request the right to emigrate to the US. Give them priority status for immigration without regard for quotas. Eliminate the existing barriers to the enabling bureaucracy for emigration. The International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) is difficult to get into and the American Embassy more so. Engage with the countries now affected by the large refugee problem and work to resolve fair share participation to stabilize the situation in anticipation of a more secure Iraq. Operation Provide Comfort is model for an in extremis refugee stabilization program.