Iraq war bill deletes US military base prohibition

[EVDebs]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060609/pl_nm/security_congress_funding_dc

yet those same permanent bases are the reason why Iraqis don't support the US's position. We're saying 'we'll withdraw as Iraqis stand up', while at the same time building PERMANENT bases. This is hypocrisy of the highest order and Republicans can't defend it, but no one is pointing this out.

Dems need to shout this from the mountaintops !

Quaker's map showing the bases
http://www.fcnl.org/iraq/bases.htm

Nearly Half of Iraqis Support Attacks on U.S. Troops, Poll Finds
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0131-10.htm

"" The poll also found that 80 percent of Iraqis think the United States plans to maintain permanent bases in the country even if the newly elected Iraqi government asks American forces to leave. Researchers found a link between support for attacks and the belief among Iraqis that the United States intends to keep a permanent military presence in the country.""

see

http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/home_page/165.php?nid=&id=&pnt=165&lb=hmpg1

[Erika]

1. The bases are there for our oil control of their resources

and it looks like the Iraqis know it.

[AnOhioan]

2. They have no intention of leaving....

I have no link (can't find it) but I read an op-ed that postulates that the reason the chimp went in to Iraq is to keep Iraq oil off the market, thereby insuring high prices for his oil buddies.

Our continued presence will keep the tension high, leading to attacks on oil facilities and pipelines.

It was an interesting read and made some sense.

Tinfoil? Maybe. Maybe not.

[EVDebs]

3. Greg Palast's latest article...here on DU

and this earlier one

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/4354269.stm

[EVDebs]

4. Related DU post of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE !

U.S. Senate rebuffs Bush on war budgeting (no more "emergency funding")
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2338570

Refers to House bill mentioned here

HR 1268
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2678770&mesg_id=2679558

If you aren't angry by now, you'll never be.

[Virginia Dare]

5. The Saudis kicked our asses out...

Something few Americans are aware of--in the early 90's the U.S. built massive air bases in Saudi Arabia, costing well over a billion dollars, which was our base of operations in the Middle East.

A few years ago, shortly after 9/11, the Saudis summarily kicked us out.

Iraq would be the logical new base of operations.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/prince-sultan.htm

[EVDebs]

6. Too bad we didn't just look elsewhere. Or debated whether...

places that actually requested our presence would have made better sites. Too late to do the necessary intelligence now. We're seen as mere provacatuers now whereever we go.

[Virginia Dare]

7. The neocons saw it as some sort of Middle Eastern Utopia...

a world that they could shape into their own image. They just love playing God.

[Tom Rinaldo]

8. Absolutely Right. All Dems have to be United on this

We may have principled differences on the wisdom of fixed withdrawal dates, but all Democrats should know we need to leave Iraq as quickly as possible, and that the people of Iraq need to be given every assurance possible that we fully intend to leave their country, to recognize Iraq's full independence and sovereignty, with no plans made to retain any special influence over them. Congress passing legislation swearing off permanent bases in Iraq is the least we can do toward giving that reassurance.

[EVDebs]

9. NSA (ret) Odom "Cut and run ? You bet", actually redeployment

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3430

but the R's will demand a 'decent interval'. History repeats. Cut the funding for this fiasco ... NOW.