Post-JASTAFamilies of Iraqis killed during U.S. invasion, occupation to seek compensation from U.S.

Published 6 October 2016

Representatives of families of Iraqis who were killed in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and subsequent 8-year occupation say the families are entitled to seek compensation from the United States for damages they suffered during the war. The representatives asked the Iraqi government to prepare a lawsuit seeking full compensation from the United States over “violations by the U.S. forces.” The request was made after the U.S. Congress last week passed a law — Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) — overriding the principle of sovereign immunity.

Representatives of families of Iraqis who were killed in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 say the families are entitled to seek compensation from the United States for damages they suffered during the war.

Al Arabya reports that the Arab Project in Iraq lobby group has submitted a request to the Iraqi government to prepare a lawsuit seeking full compensation from the United States over “violations by the U.S. forces following the U.S. invasion that saw the toppling of late President Saddam Hussein in 2003.”

The request to the Iraqi government was made after the U.S. Congress last week passed a law — Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) — overriding the principle of sovereign immunity (see “Congress overrides Obama’s veto of law allowing 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia,” HSNW, 29 September 2016).

In vetoing the law – a veto Congress has overridden — President Obama said it would leave the United States exposed to lawsuits over its past foreign policy activities.

The Arab Project in Iraq lobby said it will seek compensation based on reports of war crimes U.S. soldiers committed during the eight-year occupation of Iraq.

Al Arabyaquotes a Saudi foreign ministry officials who said JASTA will “contribute to the erosion” of the principle of sovereign immunity, considered a cornerstone of conduct in international relations.

The first complaint under JASTA was filed by Stephanie Ross DeSimone who was widowed when her husband, a Navy Commander, was killed during the attack on the Pentagon.