Mahujan on concessions forced from the US in latest UN resolution: "The United States was forced to add language about expiry of the mandate for the occupying forces, which didn't exist in the first draft, and add language specifying that the mandate expires in January 2006 -- although it can be continued at the 'invitation' of the new Iraqi government. It was forced to allow the Interim Government the legal authority to terminate the mandate at any time. It was forced to specify that the Interim Government would have nominal control over the Iraqi security forces.

"Even before the submission of the first draft to the Security Council, political developments had been such that the United States had needed to give over nominal control of Iraq's oil revenues to the Interim Government. The latest draft adds additional language specifically stating that the Interim Government takes over the responsibilities of the Oil for Food program from the CPA.

"What the United States did not cave on was the truly crucial point. Although initially France and others insisted that the Interim Government have some level of veto power over U.S. military operations, finally a deal was worked out with some flowery, noncommittal language about 'coordination' and the need for 'operational unity.' Of course, the result is that the United States has affirmed its right to direct the actions of the occupying forces, which means that the Iraqi government's 'sovereignty' is exercised at the pleasure of the United States."

Mahujan on concessions forced from the US in latest UN resolution: "The United States was forced to add language about expiry of the mandate for the occupying forces, which didn't exist in the first draft, and add language specifying that the mandate expires in January 2006 -- although it can be continued at the 'invitation' of the new Iraqi government. It was forced to allow the Interim Government the legal authority to terminate the mandate at any time. It was forced to specify that the Interim Government would have nominal control over the Iraqi security forces.

"Even before the submission of the first draft to the Security Council, political developments had been such that the United States had needed to give over nominal control of Iraq's oil revenues to the Interim Government. The latest draft adds additional language specifically stating that the Interim Government takes over the responsibilities of the Oil for Food program from the CPA.

"What the United States did not cave on was the truly crucial point. Although initially France and others insisted that the Interim Government have some level of veto power over U.S. military operations, finally a deal was worked out with some flowery, noncommittal language about 'coordination' and the need for 'operational unity.' Of course, the result is that the United States has affirmed its right to direct the actions of the occupying forces, which means that the Iraqi government's 'sovereignty' is exercised at the pleasure of the United States."