PoliBlog

Military Moves

I expected that this would be part of the goal in our relationship with post-Saddam Iraq, and I think it a good idea: Pentagon Expects Long-Term Access to Four Key Bases in Iraq

The United States is planning a long-term military relationship with the emerging government of Iraq, one that would grant the Pentagon access to military bases and project American influence into the heart of the unsettled region, senior Bush administration officials say.

Of course, many critics will argue that this will inflame the passions of the Arab street, etc, etc., but I have two questions: 1) will the Arab Street love us if we don't base our military there? and 2) where do we have a greater need for a military presence?

Indeed, there should be some interesting moves basing-wise over the next several years, including a diminution of our forces in Saudi Arabia (As the article mentions) and a significant reconfiguration of our deployments in Europe.