This is exactly what happened as the British forces in Basra and the southern regions of Iraq withdrew.

I have the distinct feeling that the various Iraqi factions have given up on the US - God knows, with good reason - and just want to settle this thing themselves. The only problem with that is the resulting all out civil war will be good for no one - Iraqis or Americans.

Great rundown on the "agreement". You've basically said, with the "black and white" print to back it, what most of us already knew.

The thing about this agreement, however, is that it means our forces are going to become prisoners on our own bases in Iraq until they are withdrawn. No more roving patrols. No more scouring the cities or villages. No more doors being kicked in. The soldiers will simply sit on the bases waiting doing their tour until all of them get the "bug out" order.

Because of this fact, look for rocket and mortar attacks against our bases to INCREASE until we leave since there won't be anymore roving patrols into the nearby towns.

Indeed, you don't want to cross them.

I find the heaviest irony in a few places where they use the phrase "any changes must be approved by both countries' constitutional procedures" or variations on that theme. The irony is that we're supposed to be "teaching them democracy" and yet they sent the agreement through a committee, through their Parliament, their Executive council, and (next year) they're actually going to let the citizens vote on it.

In the US, Bush used the "L'etat, c'est moi" theory, signed it himself, and declared that it didn't need Congress' approval.

In fact, the irony's getting so thick in here, it's almost time to break out the hip boots...

TO EVERYONE -

Sorry for the lateness of the last two columns, I've been busy during the days dealing with contractors, so I've had to write later in the day. Tomorrow may also be a bit tardy, but after that point I'll be back to the usual schedule. Sorry for the disruption...

-CW