Simple Equations
Think Progress refers to a poll showing that Iranians strongly oppose permanent US bases in Iraq. The Iraq Study Group recommended that the POTUS "state that the United States does not seek permanent military bases in Iraq.” One of Osama bin Laden's self-professed motives is opposition to a military presence in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Sounds like a pretty great deal-- in exchange for not spending a few billion dollars and stretching the military even further, we gain goodwill in the region and give people another reason not to side with bin Laden. Too bad the White House and their obedient Republican Congressmen are bent on another course of action.
Last year, congressional conservatives quietly stripped a provision from a funding bill that would have prohibited permanent bases in Iraq. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) pushed a provision through the House — which was accepted unanimously — that put Congress on record as saying the U.S. would not be in Iraq forever.
Sounds like a pretty great deal-- in exchange for not spending a few billion dollars and stretching the military even further, we gain goodwill in the region and give people another reason not to side with bin Laden. Too bad the White House and their obedient Republican Congressmen are bent on another course of action.
Last year, congressional conservatives quietly stripped a provision from a funding bill that would have prohibited permanent bases in Iraq. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) pushed a provision through the House — which was accepted unanimously — that put Congress on record as saying the U.S. would not be in Iraq forever.
posted by Matt Sandwich | 5:01 PM
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