Iraqi lawmakers say the United States is demanding 58 bases as part of a proposed "status of forces" agreement that will allow U.S. troops to remain in the country indefinitely.

Gee, who didn't see this coming? I love that they were originally called "enduring bases" so it wouldn't trigger the same connotations at permanent, but they are, and always have been. It's a good thing Georgie is doing his farewell tour of Europe now while he's still in office, if he tries to go back as an ex-head of state, he'll probably find himself in a jail cell.

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 06/09/2008 | U.S. seeking 58 bases in Iraq, Shiite lawmakers say