Are You Surprised?
Details of a secret treaty that the Bush administration is trying to jam down the throats of the Iraqis has been leaked to Patrick Cockburn at the British daily, The Independent UK:
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.
And for good measure:
Washington also wants control of Iraqi airspace below 29,000 ft.
According to the moderate Iranian leader Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the treaty would create "a permanent occupation" of Iraq, and added, "The essence of this agreement is to turn the Iraqis into slaves of the Americans."
And as for our noble quest to bring democracy to Iraq:
The US is adamantly against the new security agreement being put to a referendum in Iraq, suspecting that it would be voted down.
Shhh...Please don't tell the MSM about this. It will spoil their All-Hillary, All-The-Time festival.
Comments
The US would do well to fade quietly into the background in the Mid East. It's a no win situation now.
Watching from this side of the world I'm still wondering if Israeli leaders actually have a death wish for the country.
Iraq, Iran and the rest are probably closer than ever to finding common ground against Israel and the West than ever.
After that of course they will sort out their own issues.
Posted by: Dennis Cartledge | June 7, 2008 09:56 PM
I'm afraid you're right, Cart. And it looks to get still worse before it gets better.
Posted by: abi | June 8, 2008 12:38 AM
Good point about death wish, Cartledge. The news reported today that Israel is considering taking action against Iran even if the US doesn't, which of course will drag us into the mess whether we want it or not.
Posted by: Kathy | June 12, 2008 12:34 PM