posted on Apr, 13 2004 @ 05:31 AM
Yes, it would be a gross strategic oversight to not establish a permanent military presence within Iraq.
I imagine that the main purpose of this base will be to "train" domestic forces in police and military doctrine, while housing a significant
garrison due to the unstable socio-political situation in Iraq at large.
Once the power-vacuum has been filled with at least marginally cooperative religious leaders, I imagine the US will establish a permanent lease on
their base similar to Guantanamo Bay. This would help to ensure the government of Iraq is moderately cooperative with US strategic interests.
In the future, as Iraq starts to reap the benefits of its oil reserves (c. 20~35 years), I see Iraq developing a strong and religiously unaffiliated
middle class that will direct the Iraqi government toward a more moderate, democratic type affair.
Until then, i anticipate at least 5 years of religious conflict, followed by at least 15 years of the US yoke chaffing at their collar.
In 60 years, Iraq will be 1st world and have politics closely resembling our own domestically.
This is just the way I'd do it, but i dont imagine anyone else trying it another way.