In its editorial Wednesday, the independent Al Mashriq newspaper said one of the most important matters discussed in Washington was President Bush's departure from the White House and its effects on the situation in Iraq.

The editorial with the title "The denial of presence" said Bush was trying, in various ways, to keep U.S. troops in Iraq even after his departure, which means the next president will have to deal with the reality of the U.S. troops in Iraq.

It said Bush was trying to entrap his successor in a military situation from which there is little room for escape.

The paper said statements from the White House that the idea of permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq was a rumor were mere "political refraction."

The paper said the White House spokeswoman complained that calls for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq was against U.S. national security interests and the interests of the Iraqi people.