Officials said the United States removed a clause that gave the right to
the U.S. military to launch attacks on Iraq's neighbors. Under the first
draft, the United States would need blanket permission to defend Iraq
against external enemies.
The administration has set a July 31 deadline for the Status of Forces
Agreement to replace the United Nations Security Council mandate for the
U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. The UN mandate expires at the end of 2008.
Officials said the second draft allows the U.S. military to detain
anybody in Iraq suspected of what they termed terrorist activity. They said
the detainees would be transferred to the Iraqi judiciary.
Under the new draft, the U.S. military would continue to enjoy immunity
from Iraqi prosecution. But the second draft would not grant immunity to
U.S. private military contractors in Iraq.
The administration plans to win Iraqi approval for two agreements. The
first, to be signed in July, would cover economic and political issues with
Iraq. The military accord would be signed by 2009.
Officials said Iraq and the United States remain over odds regarding
several issues. They cited the size of the proposed U.S. military presence,
movements and the number of bases in Iraq.
