Who needs sovereignty anyway?

For all our protestations of wanting a "free, sovereign Iraq," it's evident Uncle Sam only wants it on his terms... and will hold the Iraqi wallet hostage to get what he wants:

With little public attention, the administration is trying to reach an agreement with Iraq's government to keep U.S. troops there after the expiration of a United Nations mandate. Even with the pressure they're under because of their country's dependence on the U.S. administration, Iraqi political leaders are deeply worried about the shape of the agreement. And well Iraqis, and Americans, should be...

Britain's Independent newspaper says the Bush administration insists on long-term bases, contractor exemptions from Iraqi law and the right to arrest Iraqis.

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker promptly dismissed the newspaper report. The Independent followed by reporting that the administration is using billions in Iraqi funds held in U.S. banks as leverage.

Since we're increasingly not interested in defending even our OWN sovereignty against the creeping forces of globalism, it shouldn't surprise anyone we hardly respect the Iraqis' right to decide their own country's future.