IRAQ-CONFLICT: US intends establishing long-term military relationship

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Att.Editors: The following item is by the United Arab Emirates news agency (WAM)

ABU DHABI, Apr 22 2003 (IPS) - A major United Arab Emirates (UAE) English daily today commented on US hegemony over the issue of Iraq.

Commenting editorially on the issue under the topic – Another veiled threat", the Dubai-based ‘Gulf News’ said in part: ôThe grotesque reality of the invasion of Iraq by America is slowly becoming apparent. Like some obscene dance of the seven veils, one by one as each veil drops, it reveals the obvious signs of greed and hegemony that inspired the occupation in the first place.

ôForgotten is the need to expose the weapons of mass destruction, brushed aside – or allowed to escape? – were the former regime leaders. What can be seen now is a far more obvious ploy, which makes observers in the region wonder: What else is there left that the US wants?

ôAfter the swift invasion of Iraq, it quickly became clear that occupation was the name of the game, not liberation, nor freedom, since no strategy had been devised to ensure the people were supplied with the basic necessities of life. Only now, some four weeks after the invasion, are rushed efforts being made to remedy the situation.

ôBut what was protected and guarded were the oil wells and even the Ministry of Oil building in Baghdad. That those same troops stood idly by while looting went on seemed not to matter to the invaders. That the priceless heritage of 5,000 years of civilization was blatantly stolen was ignored, more important was to secure profitable rebuilding contracts for the White House caucus cronies.

ôBut the latest proposal by the American administration is a disgustingly obvious attempt to control not only Iraq, but also the Middle East, while protecting its adopted ‘child’, Israel in the process. For it has been disclosed, somewhat prematurely perhaps, that America intends establishing a long-term military relationship with Iraq, one that would grant the Pentagon access to military bases.

ôYet no such rights can be granted to – or taken by – America except from a legitimate democratically elected Iraqi government. For America to assume otherwise will confirm the very worst fears that Arab nations have long suspected," concluded the paper.