Grassley Alludes To Possibility Of Permanent Basing Of US Forces In Iraq

[Strelnikov_]

On todays local NPR program 'Talk Of Iowa', Sen. Grassley was asked by a caller about the 14 permanent bases Halliburton is building.

Grassley's response was that troops are being redeployed around the world, being pulled from Germany, and forward deployed to bases in the region of trouble spots (used new bases in one of the 'stans as an example). Over time, he expected the US troop presence in Iraq to adopt a low profile.

My impression of his response was no surprise at all about being asked about permanent basing of US troops. He seemed to me to take it as a given.

Someone called in later to follow up on the question with Sen. Harkin (he was the guest in the 2nd 1/2 hour, was not present for the Grassley segment). Harkin stated that he has gotten no indication from the administration regarding permanent bases, and seemed surprised at the question.

The NPR host was kind enough to ensure to Sen. Harkin that Sen. Grassley made no indication along the lines of permanency of basing in Iraq. So nice of NPR to make sure the GOP stays on message.

[leftchick]

1. Harkin is a fool then...

and confirms my suspisions that the Dems in congress have No fucking clue about the PNAC and the neo-con wet dreams of a prermanent presence in the Mid East. Open your fucking eyes and read a little Tom. It has been in the NYT, Chicago Tribune along with any number of internet sources like....


http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/iraq-intro.htm

On 23 March 2004 it was reported that "U.S. engineers are focusing on constructing 14 "enduring bases," long-term encampments for the thousands of American troops expected to serve in Iraq for at least two years.... The number of U.S. military personnel in Iraq, between 105,000 and 110,000, is expected to remain unchanged through 2006.. the US plans to operate from former Iraqi bases in Baghdad, Mosul, Taji, Balad, Kirkuk and in areas near Nasiriyah, near Tikrit, near Fallujah and between Irbil and Kirkuk... enhance airfields in Baghdad and Mosul..."

The US military has hunkered down, moving into the isolated compounds and bases that Saddam Hussein's security forces used to protect themselves from internal enemies. Thus, US forces are most readily attacked when they leave those bases to go out on patrol or in convoys.

... and here

http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2004/040323-enduring-bases.htm


From the ashes of abandoned Iraqi army bases, U.S. military engineers are overseeing the building of an enhanced system of American bases designed to last for years.

Last year, as troops poured over the Kuwait border to invade Iraq, the U.S. military set up at least 120 forward operating bases. Then came hundreds of expeditionary and temporary bases that were to last between six months and a year for tactical operations while providing soldiers with such comforts as e-mail and Internet access.

Now U.S. engineers are focusing on constructing 14 "enduring bases," long-term encampments for the thousands of American troops expected to serve in Iraq for at least two years. The bases also would be key outposts for Bush administration policy advisers.

As the U.S. scales back its military presence in Saudi Arabia, Iraq provides an option for an administration eager to maintain a robust military presence in the Middle East and intent on a muscular approach to seeding democracy in the region. The number of U.S. military personnel in Iraq, between 105,000 and 110,000, is expected to remain unchanged through 2006, according to military planners.

[Old and In the Way]

2. The difference with these permanent bases is-

the countries that we put bases in after WW2 were countries that declared war on us. Iraq never did that, nor is it apparent that they desire our presence there.

Since they now have democracy, maybe the people should be asked their opinion about US bases in Iraq. Let's see if they support them or not.

One thing's for certain, our troops stationed at these permanent bases will not be enjoying the local culture that they do in Germany, Japan, etc.

[killbotfactory]

3. We're not leaving Iraq for the foreseeable future

Anyone who thinks the Iraqi's can, or will, make us leave is naive.

[cliss]

4. "no surprise at all...."

This does not surprise me. The only thing that surprised me here was that Sen. Harkin didn't seem to know anything about any "permanent bases".

Give me a break. He pretends not to know anything about 14 permanent bases being built in Iraq, along with how many cell towers?

Spare me. They all know. They know everything that's been going on. They all called each other on the phone and told every last stinking one of them the scoop.