Washington has repeatedly denied wanting a permanent military presence in Iraq, however a secret security agreement is being negotiated in Baghdad that would perpetuate the US military occupation of Iraq indefinitely, give free reign to US forces conducting the “war on terror”, and help contain Iran’s influence in the region.

Under the terms of the impending agreement, which was leaked to The Independent, the US would retain the long-term use of more than 50 military bases in Iraq after the current UN mandate expires at the end of the year.  US negotiators are also seeking control of Iraqi airspace, legal immunity for all US soldiers and contractors, and the authority to carry out arrests and conduct military activities in Iraq without consulting the Baghdad government, resulting in free reign to pursue the “war on terror”.

The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, wants to delay signing the politically explosive accord for in addition to curtailing Iraqi sovereignty, it would destabilize Iraq’s position in the Middle East and perpetuate endless conflict in the country by fueling the Iraqi insurgency and exacerbating the proxy war between the US and Iran over influence in Iraq.  But al-Maliki believes his coalition government cannot stay in power without US backing, and President Bush is determined to force the signing of the so-called ‘strategic alliance’ without modifications by the end of July.

The leaking of this secret agreement is certain to generate angry backlash amongst an Iraqi population weary of US forces.  It has already done so amongst Iraq’s neighbours, who view an indefinite US occupation in Iraq as a pretext for permanent occupation and a further attempt by Washington to dominate the region.  Iran, in particular, has responded with condemnation, suggesting that US bases on Iraqi soil would be used to launch attacks on Tehran.