Republican Secretary of Defense Robert Gates say U.S. troops could stay longer in Iraq

[Better Believe It]

Gates: U.S. troops could stay longer in Iraq
Defense secretary is 'ready to have that discussion' — if Baghdad asks
By ANNE GEARAN
The Associated Press
November 9, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The United States is open to the idea of keeping troops in Iraq past a deadline to leave next year if Iraq asks for it, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday.

"We'll stand by," Gates said. "We're ready to have that discussion if and when they want to raise it with us."

Gates urged Iraq's squabbling political groups to reconcile after eight months of deadlock. Any request to extend the U.S. military presence in Iraq would have to come from a functioning Iraqi government. It would amend the current agreement under which U.S. troops must leave by the end of 2011.

U.S. and Iraqi officials have said for months that they expect Iraqi leaders to eventually ask for an extension of the military agreement with the U.S., but the political impasse has put the idea on hold.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40084647/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa

Anyone surprised? I'm not. BBI

[w8liftinglady]

1. the number of private contractors outnumbers troops 3:1

I don't see why they don't just put a few more of them over there....oh wait...they need them in Afghanistan...and where next?

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. Where's next? Yemen. Somalia. And in a quick double feint

Colombia/Venezuela.

I think the right still wants us to take the Canal Zone back, too.

[FarCenter]

3. We need to get out so Iraq can finish its civil war(s)

And split the country into Kurd, Sunni Arab and Shiite countries.

[madmax]

4. Forever sounds just about right to me.

:mad: :nuke: :argh: :nuke:

[de novo]

5. The headline should read Obama Administration is open to staying longer.

No surprise. Wars without end. Forever and ever amen.

[blindpig]

6. Laughably predictable.

Who is fooling who?