U.S. and Iraq to Discuss Long-term Relationship

The United States and Iraq were to open negotiations today in Baghdad. They worked on a plan for a long term relationship, plus a lesser deal to define the legal basis for the U.S. troop presence. This was reported by a Pentagon official. Also a spokesman said the U.S. expects a lengthy negotiation with a goal of completing a deal by December, when the U.N. Security Council resolution that now governs the U.S. and coalition presence in Iraq will expire. This process has triggered criticism from some in Congress, in part because the administration's position is that the deal will not require congressional approval and in part out of concern that it might commit to a specific U. S. troop level. It would seem the Democrats would like to set a date to end the war and bring the troops home on but that is easier said than done, in my opinion.