Re: Bush forced to rethink plan to keep Iraq bases
Iraq is in a way foot-soldier for the Iranian regime. They do twist the American arm every now and then, and it is very apparent. Pressure tactics. I wonder what the breaking point of this stretch would be, and how it would end up from there on..
U.S. would like to keep reserve forces in Iraq, even if that means a limited number. But whether Iraqi regime will allow that, is not so clear. In my personal opinion, i don't think they will allow it, and if they do allow it under "favorable treaty conditions" it will not last very long. Just my opinion.
Frankly, i think it's a bit too late to dictate terms to Iraqis because they're pretty upset with the foreign presence for various reasons. Had U.S. gone in, toppled Hussain regime, and withdrawn and upon departure signed a treaty, it would have lasted much longer because back then U.S. still maintained majority of its credibility on the global scene. Unfortunately, that's not the case anymore.