US-Iraq Security Deal in Trouble

[unhappycamper]

Source: military.com / McClatchy

US-Iraq Security Deal in Trouble
June 11, 2008
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

BAGHDAD - A proposed U.S.-Iraqi security agreement that would set the conditions for a defense alliance and long-term U.S. troop presence appears increasingly in trouble, facing growing resistance from the Iraqi government, bipartisan opposition in Congress and strong questioning from Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

President Bush is trying to finish the agreement before he leaves office, and senior U.S. officials insist publicly that the negotiations can be completed by a July 31 target date.

But that seems increasing doubtful, and in Baghdad and Washington there is growing speculation that a United Nations mandate for U.S.-led military operations in Iraq may have to be renewed after it expires at the end of 2008.

On Capitol Hill, top Democrats and Republicans complain that Bush is rushing the negotiations to try to tie his successor's hands.

Read more: http://www.military.com/news/article/usiraq-security-deal-in-trouble.html

[groovedaddy]

1. But, but the neo-cons won't get their way...If I had my way

they'd all be in prison.

[shadowknows69]

2. Good, this can't be allowed to stand

Bush can't just go making decades long treaties outside the scope of his constitutional powers which requires ratification. No matter whether he wants to call it a treaty or not, anything that commits our troops and money is a fucking treaty.

[crikkett]

3. so glad this story was leaked.

long live network neutrality.

[lovuian]

4. and Iraq will just wait a few more months to get a better deal

Bush is way behind on this one

He FAILED

[Iggo]

5. July 31?

Sounds to me like one o' them arteefishul timetables...yuck, yuck, yuck.

[paparush]

6. Didn't Iraq just guarantee Iran that no strikes against Iran would originate in Iraq?

[LynnTheDem]

7. The UN has said it will not renew.

Which is why George W. bUsh is totally ignoring the vast majority of Iraqis who want US troops the fuck out of their country now.

George W. bUsh; The Decider. (not to be confused with "dictator" in bUsh's "mind".)

[damntexdem]

8. Just putting another part of his "legacy" in place ...

and doing it in as incompetent way as so much of the rest of his legacy -- thank goodness.