Not so Fast

Hold it there cowboy:

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday signed a deal setting the foundation for a potential long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq, with details to be negotiated over matters that have defined the war debate at home — how many U.S. forces will stay in the country, and for how long.

This is Bush trying to lock the United States into a permanent commitment in Iraq. Think of it as a way of hamstringing common sense before it can set up shop in 2009. Only problem is treaties have to be ratified by the Senate. And there is no way on God's green earth the Senate will sign on to a permanent presence in Iraq. Bush's strategy has been to stay in Iraq despite the clear desire of the American People to leave. Now, as Commander-in-Chief he can order the military to stay. But his has no power to put that commitment into law. The desire to stay in Iraq will end with his Presidency. Assuming, of course, that we keep this maniac out of the Oval Office.