Strategy Page has some insight on that deal between Iraq and the U.S. that calls for a long term military presence.
A recent bombing in a Baghdad pet market, which appeared to be the work of al Qaeda, turned out to be some Shia fanatics trying to rekindle large scale violence between Sunni and Shia Arabs. This Shia group also had some help from Iranian special forces. Thus at least one faction in the Iranian government is not happy about peace breaking out in Iraq. To that end, the Iraqi government has begun negotiations with the U.S. over a long term relationship. What the Iraqis want is a long term American military presence ("50,000 troops" has been tossed about), and guarantees of Iraqi independence... It's unlikely the U.S. would agree to keep 50,000 in Iraq...
Comments