Bush’s Strategy for a Free and Sovereign Iraq

Re “Bush Offers Plan to End Chaos in Iraq,” May 25: On Monday, President Bush pledged to hand over authority to a sovereign Iraqi government by June 30. However, on the same day, the U.S. and the U.K. presented a resolution to the U.N. Security Council that gives U.S. military forces full control over Iraq’s security and sets no date for the forces to leave. The U.S. is also building the world’s largest embassy in Baghdad, along with several military bases throughout Iraq. These actions speak louder than words -- the U.S. has no intentions to allow a free and sovereign Iraq.

A similar situation arose in Cuba more than 100 years ago. After the Spanish-American War, the infamous Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the unilateral right to intervene in Cuba. A 1934 treaty with a puppet Cuban government gave the U.S. the right to occupy, in perpetuity, the naval reservation in Guantanamo Bay, despite Cuban opposition. As in the past, the U.S. promise of freedom and sovereignty in Iraq is only an illusion.

Angel D. Sistos

San Clemente

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A president who has overseen the squandering of billions of Iraqi infrastructure dollars now wants to demolish a perfectly good prison, only to replace it with a “modern” one, at American taxpayer expense. A shining prison on a hill -- ah, what a legacy. Is there no one to rein in this continuing insanity?

Michael Sadler

Hollywood

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No, there were no surprises in Bush’s address.... “Evil” enemies, with no rationale worth exploring. A “noble” cause needing no apologies or explanations. Quasi-democratic “dreams” with an economic imperialist reality. History crafted to the cause. And to top it, a blessing for us, and U.S. alone.

Richard Rubin

Lancaster

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Bush’s “new” plan for Iraq is exactly the plan that has been in effect: sovereignty turnover June 30, security provided by more than 100,000 U.S. troops, infrastructure rebuilt with American tax dollars, seeking additional international aid and elections by January 2005. There is no “onus” on Sen. John Kerry (news analysis, May 25).

All Kerry has to do is point out that Bush’s leadership is questionable because Bush is not responding to the changing situation in Iraq and that there will not be any additional international support until the U.S. gives up control of Iraq’s security, military and economy.

Pat and Jeff Warner

La Habra Heights