Editorial: Bush Negotiations With Iraq

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2008

The last thing most Americans want to see is the Bush administration enter into a binding agreement that defines this country's future relationship with Iraq. The U.S. economy and the administration's inept handling of the Iraq war have the public so upset that the Republican Party is worried it will lose not only the presidency, but many seats in Congress.

Yet, President Bush unblinkingly continues talks with Baghdad to enter into what for all intents and purposes is a treaty with Iraq. He dare not call it a  treaty , though, because that requires congressional approval. There are two documents involved. One, a "status of forces agreement" (SOFA), mainly applies to the military and traditionally has not needed the approval of Congress. About 100 SOFAs are in effect now,...