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| Iraq |
| Iraq Defense Minister Sees Need For U.S. Security Help Until 2018 |
| 2008-01-15 |
| FORT MONROE, Va. — The Iraqi defense minister said Monday that his nation would not be able to take full responsibility for its internal security until 2012, nor be able on its own to defend Iraq’s borders from external threat until at least 2018. Those comments from the minister, Abdul Qadir, were among the most specific public projections of a timeline for the American commitment in Iraq by officials in either Washington or Baghdad. And they suggested a longer commitment than either government had previously indicated. Pentagon officials expressed no surprise at Mr. Qadir’s projections, which were even less optimistic than those he made last year. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #4 US forces will be needed in Iraq until incidents of terrorism, suicide bombings, HBIED's, etc. drastically fall & stay down for a long time. Bothering to set dates & arbitrary deadlines beyond this is silly, serving only as a sop for uninformed public (especially MSM) opinion. The "external threat" (Iran) is a separate issue & needs separate consideration. |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2008-01-15 23:03 |
| #3 ION, NAVY TIMES/FREEREPUBLIC > US CARRIER BATTLE GROUP [Kitty Hawk] ENGAGED IN STANDOFF WITH CHINESE WARSHIPS + REPORT: KITTY HAWK CONFRONTED BY CHINESE WARSHIPS. Back on Novemebr 23rd 2007 agz shadowing Chinese destroyer and SONG-class SSK - 'Twas enuff for the KITTY to reportedly place crew + escorts on combat/attack alert. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2008-01-15 22:57 |
| #2 And as a tripwire against Iran and others. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2008-01-15 16:57 |
| #1 Conservative estimate. They need us there, but probably in a reduced capacity after about 18 months from now. Mainly as operational trainers, specops and "tip of the spear" ops, as well as logistics support, and fire brigade. |
| Posted by: OldSpook 2008-01-15 13:07 |