Why is U.S. beefing up Iraq bases?

[madmunchie]

Significant concrete work is being done on some Iraq bases like Al Asad, Balad, Diamondback... Why isn't the media covering this? Why, when we are trying to wind down and "stand down when Iraqis stand up", and we are not "committing to permanent bases", why are we loading tons of concrete into these bases at this time?

[rodeodance]

1. there was a good press article just yest. But not beefing up--as they

were planned from day ONE>

[madmunchie]

2. Do you have a link?

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Because Bush,etal, plan on staying there forever?

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. You have to beef up before you can beef down I guess

[libodem]

5. they are digging in to stay

They can ride herd over Syria and Iran from there for one thing. The other thing IMO is to protect the oil production. Why should my public tax dollars be spent for private oil companies protection. Why do they deserve military welfare? The quarterly profits are up, what 9 million? effin war profiteers

[babylonsister]

6. Iran. And maybe Syria. Or vice versa.

:shrug:

[brmdp3123]

7. How do you know this?

[madmunchie]

8. Person in Iraq on base

[babylonsister]

10. Common knowledge, article here:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Iraq_Future_Bases.html

Iraqis think U.S. in their nation to stay

By CHARLES J. HANLEY
AP SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- The concrete goes on forever, vanishing into the noonday glare, 2 million cubic feet of it, a mile-long slab that's now the home of up to 120 U.S. helicopters, a "heli-park" as good as any back in the States.

At another giant base, al-Asad in Iraq's western desert, the 17,000 troops and workers come and go in a kind of bustling American town, with a Burger King, Pizza Hut and a car dealership, stop signs, traffic regulations and young bikers clogging the roads.

At a third hub down south, Tallil, they're planning a new mess hall, one that will seat 6,000 hungry airmen and soldiers for chow.

Are the Americans here to stay? Air Force mechanic Josh Remy is sure of it as he looks around Balad.

"I think we'll be here forever," the 19-year-old airman from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., told a visitor to his base.

more...

[uppityperson]

9. Simple, they are lying about leaving.

who's at the base you are getting info from?