How long does U.S. plan to stay in Iraq?

[NNN0LHI]

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

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.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Apparently forever or we wouldn't be building all those permanent bases.

[BOSSHOG]

2. And a Baby shall lead them

The 19 year old from Wilkes Barre knows what he is talking about. We will be there forever (as long as there is a "conservative" in the white house.) Because they care nought nor know nought about the war or the military and everything about politics.

[radfringe]

3. until we've sucked

all our oil out from under their sands

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. I like when they give the zen kind of answer, "nothing is permanent"

Following the logic the generals use when answering that question, New York City isn't permanent either.