Free Republic

WASHINGTON, April 19 — The United States is planning a long-term military relationship with the emerging government of Iraq, one that would grant the Pentagon access to military bases and project American influence into the heart of the unsettled region, senior Bush administration officials say.

REBUILDING PLAN AGREED Free Iraqis have drawn up a 13-point plan to rebuild their country following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime. The plan was agreed at US-hosted talks at Ur, the birthplace of the biblical prophet Abraham. The delegates also voted to meet again in 10 days' time. In a statement they said a future Iraqi government must be democratic, no leader must be imposed from outside, and the Baath party must be dissolved. As the meeting began, hundreds marched through the streets of nearby Nasiriyah protesting about US involvement in their country's future. They were concerned that the...

First Flight Lands At 'Bush International' Captured Iraqi Airfield Renamed In Honor Of The President Mar 27, 2003 3:35 pm US/Eastern (AP) (TALLIL AIRFIELD, Southern Iraq) The first U.S. airplane landed Thursday at a key Iraqi airfield, which forces informally renamed "Bush International Airport." The captured airfield is expected to be a major resupply base and transport hub for American forces. A C-130 transport plane glided down onto a 12,000-foot runway newly cleared of concrete blocks, wrecked vehicles and other barriers placed on the strip by the Iraqi military to prevent its use. A hastily erected sign at the airfield's...