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August 30, 2008 4:08:09 CDT

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US Presence in Iraq Open-Ended in Secret Pact

Posted Apr 8, 08 7:03 CDT in World 

(Newser) – US officials and the Iraqi government plan to authorize an open-ended American presence in Iraq, according to a secret draft of an agreement between the two nations. The March 7 draft, leaked to the Guardian, is intended to replace the current UN mandate authorizing operations that expires this year. The new plan would give the US authority to "conduct military operations in Iraq and to detain individuals when necessary."

Although the authorization is described as "temporary" in the document, no end date is given. Nor are there any limitations on the number of soldiers and the weapons that may be used. Though the Maliki government supports the agreement, it is expected to face stiff opposition in parliament.

Source Guardian (UK)

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Neighbors in the al-Asdiqa neighborhood react in the rubble of a house that was destroyed in an explosion in Basra, Iraq, Monday, April 7, 2008.   (AP Photo)
President Bush makes a statement to reporters as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki looks on during their meeting in New York Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Sept. 11, 2007 file photo. Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker are to testify before Congress this...   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
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Iraq  • US military  • Nouri al-Maliki  • Iraq exit strategy  • military presence


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