immunity in Iraq

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In Iraq, the Americans have thrown down the gauntlet: If American troops are to remain in Iraq, they must be given immunity from prosecution. Several instances in the past have found American soldiers or mercenaries complicit in the wanton killing of civilians.

The Associated Press story did not see fit to specify the parameters of that immunity -- what it might actually mean, but I cannot imagine that the challenge is anything short of galling to Iraqi national sovereignty. You can act with impunity in my backyard?! How humiliating!

With any luck, the Iraqis will send the Americans packing after eight years of 'assistance.'
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