‘Secret’ U.S. plan calls for ‘open-ended military presence’ in Iraq.

The Guardian reports today that “a confidential draft agreement covering the future of US forces in Iraq,” dated March 7, “shows that provision is being made for an open-ended military presence in the country.” Though the “secret” draft strategic framework agreement between the U.S. and Iraqi governments says the U.S. “does not desire permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq,” it contains no time limit for a U.S. presence in the country. Additionally, the draft “authorizes the US to ‘conduct military operations in Iraq and to detain individuals when necessary for imperative reasons of security.’” The White House has previously said it will not seek a “security guarantee” with Iraq.