ExecutiveOrdersEO
Det 13222DeterminationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination 13222

Certification Permitting Rescission of Iraq as a Sponsor of Terrorism

President Bush certified to Congress that Iraq had fundamentally changed its leadership and policies, was no longer supporting international terrorism, and had provided assurances against future support—permitting the Secretary of State to rescind Iraq's 1990 designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The certification also satisfied parallel requirements under the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 58793

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

  2. Transmission of certification to Congress

Key directives

  • Certify fundamental change in Iraq's leadership and policies
  • Certify Iraq is not supporting international terrorism
  • Certify Iraq's assurances against future terrorism support
  • Direct Secretary of State to report certification to Congress
  • Direct Secretary of State to arrange Federal Register publication

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Certification takes effect upon transmission to Congress
  • Iraq eligible for rescission from state sponsor list

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register
  • Removal triggers lifting of terrorism-related sanctions

Long term

  • Restoration of normal trade relations with Iraq
  • Eligibility for U.S. foreign assistance and arms exports

Risks & tensions

  • Certification made during ongoing Iraq War (2003-2011) with insurgent violence, creating tension between legal certification and on-ground security reality
  • Timing in September 2004, two months before U.S. presidential election, may raise questions about political motivation
  • Document does not specify consequences if Iraq resumes terrorism support after rescission
Presidential Determination 13222: Certification Permitting Rescission of Iraq as a Sponsor of Terrorism · Executive Orders