[goldstategop]

I like it. We're still in Germany, Japan and South Korea. We will be in Iraq for a very long time. If a Democrat gets elected President, there will be a drawdown of troops but we will still keep a substantial force in Iraq in defined locations. That is a fact.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[kabar]

The AP is now raising this issue to stir the pot for the Dems. The war is going well, so the MSM has to divert attention from success and focus on this issue, knowing full well that the public would like to see us out of Iraq even those who want victory and the mission accomplished.

I agree that our long term presence is both desired and necessary given the strategic importance of the region and Iran's desire to acquire nuclear weapons. I am sure the Saudis and others in the Gulf would like us to stay as well.

[DGHoodini]

...internal coups???...Who could they possibly mean? >8o)

[Centurion2000]

BAGHDAD - Iraq's government, seeking protection against foreign threats and internal coups, will offer the U.S. a long-term troop presence in Iraq in return for U.S. security guarantees as part of a strategic partnership, two Iraqi officials said Monday.

Interesting. Iraq, the West Germany of the Middle East.

[Redleg Duke]

Works for me! Works for them.

[P-40]

The Iraqi officials said that under the proposed formula, Iraq would get full responsibility for internal security and American troops would relocate to bases outside the cities.

That sounds like a good deal and one that all parties will probably agree to.

[LZ_Bayonet]

From Oct. 24th, 2007 posting:
"Most heartening, [Major General Rick] Lynch said, was the checkpoint just across the road and over an irrigation canal. It was run by Shi'ites.

Lynch said the checkpoints on opposite sides of the road highlighted a kind of reconciliation by necessity: not fighting each other but protecting themselves from a common enemy.

"They have to be convinced that we're not leaving. That's the issue. If they were to think we're leaving we'd have also sorts of trouble," Lynch said, clambering over a makeshift earthen bridge across the canal."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1915499/posts

[Ben Ficklin]

In the third paragraph it states that "American troops would relocate to bases outside the cities"

Keep in mind that the Brits have already relocated outside of Basra.

This is not a new plan. Perhaps you have heard the Hillary campaign triangulating on troop levels in Iraq.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

The Iraqi officials said that under the proposed formula, Iraq would get full responsibility for internal security and U.S. troops would relocate to bases outside the cities. Iraqi officials foresee a long-term presence of about 50,000 U.S. troops, down from the current figure of more than 160,000.

Great idea. And Iraq oil $$$ can pay for it.

[Fred]

Great way to bring on the new year. Awesome news..

[JewishRighter]

DEAL?