When it comes to international military cooperation, one of the most common agreements between countries is the United States` Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). These agreements outline the legal status of American military personnel and their families serving in foreign countries, and also cover logistical and diplomatic matters related to their presence.
There are currently over 100 countries with SOFA agreements with the United States, covering a wide range of regions and political systems. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Japan – The Japan-U.S. SOFA was signed in 1960 and is one of the oldest and most comprehensive agreements. It applies to the approximately 50,000 American military personnel and their dependents stationed in Japan, and covers everything from criminal jurisdiction to environmental regulations.
South Korea – The U.S.-South Korea SOFA dates back to 1966 and is similarly broad in scope, covering the approximately 28,500 American troops stationed on the Korean Peninsula. One of the most contentious provisions of the agreement is the immunity granted to U.S. soldiers from certain criminal prosecutions in South Korean courts.
Germany – After World War II, the U.S. maintained a large military presence in Germany as part of the NATO alliance. The current iteration of the SOFA agreement dates back to 1990, following the reunification of Germany, and covers the approximately 35,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country.
Iraq – The U.S.-Iraq SOFA was signed in 2008 and covered the presence of American forces in the country following the 2003 invasion. The agreement included provisions for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, which was completed in 2011.
Afghanistan – The U.S.-Afghanistan SOFA was signed in 2014 and covers the approximately 10,000 American troops still stationed in the country. The agreement has been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding the immunity granted to U.S. soldiers from prosecution in Afghan courts.
These are just a few examples of the many countries that have SOFA agreements with the United States. While these agreements have proven useful in facilitating military cooperation and ensuring the safety and well-being of American personnel abroad, they also raise questions about issues like sovereignty and accountability. As the U.S. continues to maintain a global military presence, it will be important to carefully consider the implications of these agreements for both American interests and the broader international community.