BAGHDAD, Oct. 19 -- "The Iraqi parliament's biggest political bloc is calling for all American troops to leave this country by the end of 2011 as a condition for approving a new agreement extending the U.S. military presence in Iraq, a senior official said Sunday.

"The United Iraqi Alliance is also insisting that Iraq have a bigger role in determining whether U.S. soldiers accused of wrongdoing are subjected to prosecution in Iraqi courts.

"If the conditions are not met, "I cannot see that this agreement will see the light," said Sami al-Askeri, a Shiite parliamentarian and political adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki."

The US wants permanent bases in the desert, the excuse being that Iraq "requested" them for "security". The Iraqis want a binding agreement which requires all US troops to be out by the end of 2011. No bases in the desert threatening all nations in the area.

The Iraqis are saying this matter will come up for a referendum and there will be a new elections for Parliament. Because of the long, hard and consistent work of the US on Iraqi hearts and minds no one wants to be seen as kowtowing to the occupier.

Arf