Secrets, Accusations, and Denials: Is Bush Laying the Grounds for Long-Term Iraq Presence?

Our president dismisses claims that the US is building permanent bases in Iraq; Iraqi leaders tell a different story.

Last week the Independent reported on a secret Iraq security plan that included many provisions that, Iraqi lawmakers say, would utterly rob their government of its tenuous sovereignty. Among these were US control of Iraq's airspace, the long-term establishment of more than 50 bases, and legal immunity for US soldiers. Shortly afterward, the US ambassador to Iraq issued a
firm denial, calling the whole report "flatly untrue."

Mere days after the denial, this story shows up, similar to the "untrue" story leaked to The Independent. The Iraqi government claims that the US is pushing a treaty that would establish 58 permanent bases in Iraq, give the US military control over Iraqi airspace, and grant US troops immunity from prosecution by Iraqi law. The treaty would also give the US power to decide whether aggressive actions from other countries would constitute hostility toward Iraq.

Today, President Bush called claims of US plans to build permanent bases "erroneus."

Congress demanded a say in the Iraq security deal, and complained about not being informed of negotiations. Bush plans to make the decision an executive accord, exempting it from the authority of the Senate. Yesterday, Congress was briefed on the agreement, and the White House promised that they would consult Congress on US-Iraqi security agreements.