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U.S., Iraq Negotiating Security Agreement

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By LOLITA C. BALDOR, The Associated Press

Published: February 1, 2008

WASHINGTON - The United States, determined to prevent a resurgence of terrorist networks in Iraq, wants to preserve the right to hunt down top foreign fighters, as it negotiates a long-term security agreement with the Iraqis, according to a working draft described to The Associated Press.

The agreement will not tie the United States to specific troop levels, and officials do not rule out including some broad goals for the U.S. military presence there, reflecting the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Iraqi forces.

The closely held draft document foresees a flexible agreement that would allow the U.S. and Iraqi governments to adapt and shift responsibilities as conditions change. That goal is seen as critical to calming resistance from Iraqis who want their country free of U.S. control and to giving commanders the room to respond to changing violence levels.

In particular, it could adjust as attacks increase, decrease or shift to other areas, and as the provincial and national Iraqi governments progress and take on more security responsibilities.

Several officials with knowledge of the approximately 15-page document spoke on condition of anonymity because they were private discussions.

As U.S. military and diplomatic leaders begin shaping their positions for the talks, it is also becoming clear that they will need to provide greater controls over U.S. contractors in Iraq and that a blanket immunity from prosecution is not likely.

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