CS Monitor: US to consolidate forces into four huge bases in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

US to consolidate forces into four huge bases in Iraq
US military also wants bases in Romania, Azerbaijan, and Bulgaria.
By Tom Regan | csmonitor.com

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0523/dailyUpdate.html

Top US military officials in Iraq confirmed Monday that they are planning to consolidate the more than 100 bases where US personnel are now stationed in Iraq into four huge, more permanent bases.

The Washington Post reported Sunday, however, that these military officials say that, despite the appearance to the contrary, these moves do not signal a "permanent US presence in Iraq."

The US military commanders say that building these new bases, which would be located in the north, south, west and center of Iraq, are "part of a withdrawal expected to occur in phases, with Iraqi forces gradually taking over many of the bases inhabited by US and other foreign troops."

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[leftchick]

1. No it just LOOKS like they want to stay forever...

God, they really do think we are that stupid. Hey how about the Democrats on the Armed Services Committee? Ya Think NOW might be a good time to address the US's long term goals in the Region? Before the invasion would have been better. But here is your chance. Again.

[Starfury]

2. Phased withdrawal, huh?

Are these the same commanders who also say:

"Last week, however, US military commanders in briefings in Washington and Baghdad, and in media interviews, said that growth of the insurgency has convinced them that the US will be in Iraq for "many more years to come," and that the pace at which Iraqi police, in particular, are being prepared to take over their own country's defense is not going anywhere near as fast as the US would like."

[iconoclastic cat]

3. Will one be called Mordor?

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. More like Conwy, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Harlech

The four castles built as the 'iron ring' by Edward I, king of England, after he conquered Wales. They're still there after 700 years (and Wales, of course, never regained its independence); they're now a United Nations World Heritage site. They were designed to be replenishable by sea, like these bases can be supplied by air, so even if the locals take control of the land, they can withstand a long siege, while being a danger to the populace.

http://www.castlewales.com/edwrdcas.html

[iconoclastic cat]

6. Does anyone really believe that the other 12 bases will just...vanish?

[Dr Batsen D Belfry]

4. Part of a failed strategery

to build a small number of larger targets for the opposition. This is actually in line with the psychology driving this war.

1) Bring enough troops to the ME to effectivly move the lightning rod away from US soil.
2) Use those troops in the ME to draw out the opposition
3) Consolidate the troops in areas outside large populated areas. This further draws the insurgents out into the open and away from the cities.

Do I think it will work? No.

DBDB

[yellowcanine]

7. Bases to be named Saigon, Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and Khe Sanh?

That would be appropriate.