Last week, Mediamouse.org reposted an article from The Independent outlining efforts by the United States to force Iraq to sign an agreement that would maintain the occupation indefinitely via permanent bases and other requirements. Since that posting, the story has received more coverage and there are several developments worth noting:

* The United States is seeking 58 bases in Iraq. The U.S. currently has thirty bases in the country and some media reports have suggested that the U.S. was orginally seeking 200 bases.

* The United States is seeking to control Iraq's airspace up to 30,000 feet.

* The United States is seeking immunity from prosecution for U.S. troops and private military contractors.

* The agreement would run indefinitely but could be cancelled by either side with two years notice.

* The United States wants to be able to launch military operations without the approval of the Iraqi government.

The United States is seeking the measure as a "Status of Forces" agreement that would allow the United States to "legally" maintain its presence in Iraq once its United Nations mandate expires. The agreement has received significant opposition from Iraq's government and protestors in Iraq. The Iraqi government is urging that the US presence be reduced or even eliminated as a means of restoring Iraq's sovereignty.

In the United States, some members of Congress have said that the agreement should be put before the legislature, but President George W. Bush wants to sign the agreement via an executive order.