A long-term “relationship” being negotiated between the United States and Iraq will include U.S. “security assurances and commitments . . . to deter foreign aggression against Iraq that violates its sovereignty and integrity of its territories, waters, or airspace,” according to an agreement signed by President Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki last November. Or maybe it won’t. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in congressional testimony yesterday that the agreement “will not contain a commitment to defend Iraq.” Full Story