From The Independent:Bush wants 50 military bases, control of Iraqi airspace and legal immunity for all American soldiers and contractors
A secret deal being negotiated in Baghdad would perpetuate the American military occupation of Iraq indefinitely, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election in November.
The terms of the impending deal, details of which have been leaked to The Independent, are likely to have an explosive political effect in Iraq. Iraqi officials fear that the accord, under which US troops would occupy permanent bases, conduct military operations, arrest Iraqis and enjoy immunity from Iraqi law, will destabilise Iraq's position in the Middle East and lay the basis for unending conflict in their country.
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Other News Sources On This Story:
Iraq lawmakers want US forces out as part of deal -- Reuters
Iraqi Parliament Opposes Security Agreement Without Timetable For Withdrawal -- CBS News
Differences Between US, Iraq on Security Treaty Outlined - UK Arabic Paper
Iraqi lawmakers wary of US security agreement -- Associated Press
Iran: US-Iraq security deal aims to enslave Iraqis -- Associates Press
My Comment: When I first read this story, the first impression I had was that this debate was starting to show the Arab emotion of pride. The Iraqis want to assert their independence and sense of control. I guess I would be doing the same thing if I was in their shoes.
But all decisions will have to be made from a sense of responsibility and accountability. The Iraqi Central Government is too weak and unstable to govern properly. The three main factions of Iraq ..... Sunni, Shiite, and Kurd ..... still do not trust each other and all of them are looking at the U.S. as the mediator. Numerous foreign powers are trying their best to exploit and take advantage of the situation for their own benefit. A good chunk of the world's energy and oil supplies are in the region ..... resulting in our long term security being dependent on that supply whether we like it or not.
In the end an agreement will be hammered out, and all major sides will agree to it. American and coalition forces will be in Iraq for the rest of my life. But the security that it should bring will make the effort worth while .... at least that is what I am hoping it will.
Update: Must read commentary from Mohammed Fadhil, Pajamas media -- Can the U.S. and Iraq Have a Long-Term Relationship?