The US government is close to reaching an agreement with the Iraqi government over its long term military role in the country but will not seek “permanent” bases in the nation.
Bush administration officials told Al Jazeera that they expect to finalise a deal by the end of July over the so-called Status of Forces agreement, or SOFA.
The agreement if ratified will replace the current United Nations mandate authorising US troops to remain in the nation, which expires in December 2008.
In response to called protests against the agreement by prominent Muslims …