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| Iraq |
| Foreign troops might stay in Iraq another two years |
| 2005-10-09 |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 The catch word here is "troops". Right now, I think this really means "offensive" military, those who go out and maxim their oppressors. Once the Iraqis are doing that well enough on their own, these offensive troops can go elsewhere. However, a goodly number will remain behind as part of the Middle East Command. With the new parliment, there will immediately be a Status of Forces agreement, like there was for Germany. Most likely several large military bases will be built, like the German kasernes, and the foreign forces will be there, but just won't be seen. Until things have settled down. Once that has happened, there will be a slow re-emergence of foreigners back into Iraqi society, not as invaders, but as wealthy consumers, who want to buy stuff, and at high prices. Such pocketbook diplomacy works wonders. With their economy booming, NGOs helping out all over the country, and the areas around these bases prospering most of all, as happens around US bases, the Iraqis should become as comfortable and welcoming to the US military as did the Germans. The Americans really won't stick out, as Iraq is a natural crossroads for travel, and large parts of Bagdad should become very cosmopolitan and international. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2005-10-09 11:09 |
| #1 Sounds good to me, let the "Secondary" coalition members guard while the "Primary" are kicking the shit out of iran, saudi, lybia, syria etc (Note no capitals for these sub-nations) |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2005-10-09 10:53 |