Bush negotiating for permanent bases in Iraq

Patrick Cockburn reports that the U.S. is negotiating for 50 permanent military bases in Iraq, as well as legal immunity for U.S. soldiers and contractors.

The US has repeatedly denied it wants permanent bases in Iraq but one Iraqi source said: "This is just a tactical subterfuge." Washington also wants control of Iraqi airspace below 29,000ft and the right to pursue its "war on terror" in Iraq, giving it the authority to arrest anybody it wants and to launch military campaigns without consultation.

Well, duh. Lies, lies, and more lies are what we get from Bush.

Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, is believed to be personally opposed to the terms of the new pact but feels his coalition government cannot stay in power without US backing.

Maybe this will push Maliki to align with Iran against the U.S. occupation. Could Maliki end up as Iraq's Diem. (Phony analogy alert...)