US Has Long-Term Plans To Stay In Iraq

[eridani]

Not exactly a newsflash, but now it's official.

Report Commissioned By Kucinich Shows US Is Spending Hundreds of Millions of Dollars On "Long-Term" Bases In Iraq

WASHINGTON -- April 14 -- A new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report commissioned by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), and released today, shows that the United States is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the construction of "long-term" bases in Iraq.

The report, requested in December, and completed this week, states that since 9/11, the Department of Defense has received supplemental funding of over $1 billion for military construction in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of the military construction funds, the report states, "some projects…suggest substantial U.S. investment to improve facilities that could be used for the longer-term." These long-term projects in Iraq include, $214 million for the Balad Air Base and $49 million for the Taji Military Complex.

"This report clearly indicates that, despite recent press accounts, this Administration has no plans to leave Iraq any time soon, and raises questions about whether permanent bases are being built," stated Kucinich. "The US military presence in Iraq is counterproductive, and the construction of 'long-term' bases in the country will only prolong the occupation and cause more US casualties. It is time for this Administration to be straight with the American people, and the Congress, and let them know their true intentions in Iraq."

The report, issued by the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, is the first congressional report that has identified specific locations in Iraq where the U.S. is possibly constructing a permanent military presence.

For a complete copy of the report please contact Doug Gordon at [phone], copies are also available at http://www.house.gov/kucinich.

[Blind Tiresias]

1. It might be true...

but it will never happen!! The Iraqis will kick us out once they find out what is happening. If one thinks the situation is bad right now, wait until the VAST majority of the country (including the peshmerga) are engaging US troops. Imperialism is dead forever! It died after World War II and even the Pax Americana Imperium cannot bring it back.

[eridani]

2. But for us to really get that--

--things are going to get seriously painful first.

[Blind Tiresias]

3. things will get worse in iraq

unless people like novak are right and we actually are leaving in a couple of years. If there are still troops there in 2008 we are gonna have major problems. And that's not counting any potential wars that get started between now and then.

[Stephanie]

4. google "14 enduring bases"

We're not going anywhere. We're in Iraq to stay.

[Blind Tiresias]

7. i already know abt 14 enduring bases

my point is that you cant stay somewhere if the hosts kick you out, whether you are building bases or not. eventually we will not be able to prop up our toadies forever and once the entire country becomes too hot to handle, we will cut and run. Honestly we should have used any of these fake opportunities (capture of saddam, election of our toady govt) to declare 'victory' and leave.

[Melynn]

5. Well, surprise, surprise, surprise.

I knew this from the very beginning. We are going to be in Iraq forever......or until the oil runs out, which ever comes first.

[Disturbed]

6. No surprise and the majority of Dems...

will support this with their votes for $Billions more.

This was the plan all along: to establish permanent U.S. Military presence in the ME after the Saudis begged the Bush Junta to leave their lands.