The Independent (UK): Revealed: Secret plan to keep Iraq under US control

[elbales]

Revealed: Secret plan to keep Iraq under US control
Bush wants 50 military bases, control of Iraqi airspace and legal immunity for all American soldiers and contractors

By Patrick Cockburn
Thursday, 5 June 2008

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. . . .

America currently has 151,000 troops in Iraq and, even after projected withdrawals next month, troop levels will stand at more than 142,000 – 10 000 more than when the military "surge" began in January 2007. Under the terms of the new treaty, the Americans would retain the long-term use of more than 50 bases in Iraq. American negotiators are also demanding immunity from Iraqi law for US troops and contractors, and a free hand to carry out arrests and conduct military activities in Iraq without consulting the Baghdad government. [emphasis added]

WHAT.

I HATE GEORGE W. BUSH SO MUCH. HE BELONGS IN JAIL. FOR LIFE. GAAAAHH.
*tears hair*
 

Comments

[johnkzin.livejournal.com]

On NPR the other day, they quoted an Iraqi official who is saying that THEIR position is not to agree to anything with the Bush administration because they have less than a year left in power. They would rather wait out the election and deal with the next administration.

Good to know they fully understand the "Lame Duck" concept :-}

[al-zorra.livejournal.com]

This revelation really has a certain segment of the people talking.

It's not as if it's a surprise though.

That's exactly how They do!

Love, C.