US military base close to Iran?

[Judi Lynn]

Source: New Europe

Wednesday, May 15, 201305:43:56
The Iranian Press TV reported that the US is building a base in Afghanistan

US military base close to Iran?
By Karafillis Giannoulis | May 15, 2013 - 11:59am

According to the Iranian Press TV, a US military base in Afghanistan, close to the Iranian borders, is under construction. The new base is located in an area known as Chahlang in Farah Province.

On 9 May, the President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai revealed that the US is in talks with his government in order to retain nine permanent bases after the withdrawal of the American forces. However, after two days, the White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, denied Karzai’s comments that the US is seeking permanent bases in his country.

“Any US presence after 2014 would only be at the invitation of the Afghanistan government and aimed at training Afghan forces and targeting the remnants of al Qaeda,” Carney said and commented about the US military base issue. “We envision the bilateral security agreement will address access to and use of Afghan facilities by US forces. We seek no permanent military bases. We’ve been very clear about that.”

Still, Karzai said that he is willing to discuss the US military base issue, as long as the American government will continue to provide economic aid to Afghanistan. “We are trying to ensure the interests of both countries are satisfied in this agreement,” Karzai told during the 9th May speech and added. “We want roads, electricity, hydropower dams, and strengthening of the Afghan government.”

Read more: http://www.neurope.eu/article/us-military-base-close-iran

[snappyturtle]

1. Quid pro quo? I'd like to tell Karzai To take a hike....not feeling diplomaatic

today. Can you tell? Let's build up Afghanistan's infrastructure while
ours rots to build another nest for a future war. Surely there's a good
side to this...?

[harmonicon]

4. That is the "good side." That's been the entire point: eternal war.

It's not about actually winning wars, politics, or diplomacy. It's about taking money from US workers and funneling it to private business "contractors." That's all these wars have ever been about.

[snappyturtle]

5. Sadly, you are correct. nt

[dipsydoodle]

6. All too true

It specifically states a NEW base : not reuse of one which has already been built.

[grilled onions]

2. I Thought We Were Leaving

You wouldn't start on a new wing to your home if you are ready to move. This does not sound like we are packing up our bags any time soon.

[hughee99]

9. No, despite Biden's comments in the VP debate, we won't be out in 2014

"come hell or high water". Last May they signed a deal that lasts to 2024.

Obama's 'Midnight' Deal Will Stretch Afghan War to 2024
https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/05/02-6

[Judi Lynn]

10. Hard to forgive this! It is so far away from what we were led to believe about US plans

for Afghanistan. Doesn't even seem possible.

From the article you linked:

... “The SPA is likely to prolong fighting in the region," Kelly added, "because the Taliban and neighboring countries have clearly stated that they won’t accept US foreign troop presence. Also, many Afghans wonder if the US and NATO want to protect construction of the TAPI (Trans-Afghanistan) pipeline, which the 2010 NATO summit approved of and the New Silk Road which Hilary Clinton has promised the US will construct.”

[madokie]

3. Reads like Karzai is fishing for more money

"Still, Karzai said that he is willing to discuss the US military base issue, as long as the American government will continue to provide economic aid to Afghanistan. “We are trying to ensure the interests of both countries are satisfied in this agreement,”"
At some point we Americans can't afford to take on another orphan child of a government. We have way too many already to the point that the majority of us are being abused or going without.

[MADem]

7. This sounds like KARZAI wants to keep the US presence--not the other way around.

He knows his days are numbered without the checks and the private bodyguards.