A More Confident Iraq Becomes a Tougher Negotiating Partner for the U.S.

[maddezmom]

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration’s quest for a deal with Iraq that would formally authorize an unlimited American troop presence there well beyond President Bush’s tenure appears to be unraveling. The irony is that it may be a victim of the administration’s successes in the war.

Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki of Iraq and his senior aides are now openly demanding a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops, at least on paper. That is partly a nod to Iraqi political realities, since Iraqi politicians must call for the end of American occupation. No one in Iraq realistically expects to throw out the Americans anytime soon — and few in Iraq believe that it would be safe to do so immediately.

But Mr. Maliki’s once enfeebled government, emboldened by several recent military successes, is eager to assert its sovereignty.

The Iraqi demands have put Mr. Bush in a politically awkward spot.

The president has explicitly opposed any binding timetables — either from the Iraqis or from the war’s critics here at home — but he also pledged less than a month ago to abide by the will of Iraq’s leaders.

more:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/world/middleeast/10policy.html?em&ex=1215835200&en=9fc09fbdbbde0806&ei=5087%0A

[rocktivity]

1. Well, that was the point, wasn't it?

:eyes:
rocknation

[Narkos]

2. So much for permanent bases...awkward!!!