Bush plays politics as Iraqis struggle for sovereignty

Congressional Republicans last week killed a provision in the latest “emergency” Iraq war appropriations bill that would have blocked permanent U.S. bases in Iraq.

“The House and Senate went on record opposing permanent bases, but now the Republicans are trying to sneak them back in the middle of the night,” said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), sponsor of the House amendment.

“The perception that the U.S. intends to occupy Iraq indefinitely is fueling the insurgency and making our troops more vulnerable,” Lee said.

In an interview this week, Iraqi Communist Party spokesperson Salam Ali said it shows that the Bush administration “does not want to be tied down by any restrictions.” Noting that U.S. officials talk of being in Iraq for decades, Ali said it’s all about controlling the energy resources — “this is the prize.”

Read the full article at the People's Weekly World