A proposed security pact between Iraq and the United States was approved by Iraq's Cabinet on November 16, 2008.ABC News: Government Approves Security Pact (November 16, 2008) NY Times: Pact, Approved in Iraq, Sets Time for U.S. Pullout (November 17, 2008). The pact will requires U.S. forces to leave Iraq by the end of 2011 and allows Iraq to prosecute American military personnel for certain crimes.Los Angeles Times: Iraq sends draft of U.S. security pact to Cabinet (October 20, 2008)

The pact had been under intense negotiation between the US and Iraq for the majority f of 2008. Numerous times during the year an agreement seemed imminent only to be delayed or derailed before the vote. The Bush Administration had to eventually make concessions regarding a withdrawal timetable for U.S. troops in Iraq. A pact was required between the two countries before the end of 2008, when the United States' mandate from the United Nations governing its actions in Iraq expired.

In January 5, 2009, as part of the agreement, the U.S opened its new embassy in the Green Zone of Iraq. The US had previously been operating out of Saddam Hussein's old palace.