"Freedom is on the Mar...shut your Sovereign Yap"

From Juan Cole:

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said Tuesday before the United Nations: "I categorically refuse the use of Iraqi soil to launch a military strike against Syria or any other Arab country . . . "But at the end of the day my ability to confront the US military is limited and I cannot impose on them my will."

So let's get this straight. The president of Iraq elected six months after the US "turned over sovereignty" on June 28, 2004 is saying before the United Nations that George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld decide whether his country can be used as a base to attack other countries, and he is unable to influence such decisions-- even though he categorically rejects any such action.

I imagine Bush & Rummy told him to pay attention to the schools that were painted last year. "Jalal, we invaded your country and said you were sovereign. Now shut up and enjoy the Jonquil Yellow"