tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post6377148185285256156..comments2024-02-29T12:38:32.191-08:00Comments on MUSINGS ON IRAQ: Towards A Permanent U.S. Presence In Iraq?Joel Winghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-4737632219213165532010-09-14T14:58:43.174-07:002010-09-14T14:58:43.174-07:00I don't think any of the Iraqi politicians can...I don't think any of the Iraqi politicians can talk about an extended U.S. presence right now. Obeidi is going to be replaced under a new government and even the chief of staff might go as well, so they have the freedom to talk about these things right now. <br /><br />After a ruling coalition is formed the problem as ever will be to get anything through parliament on time. <br /><br />On the U.S. side, I agree, i don't think many will have a problem with some kind of limited force staying in Iraq, probably around 5,000. Congress doesn't tend to complain about military expenditures.Joel Winghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-41006342973420815962010-09-13T18:16:02.522-07:002010-09-13T18:16:02.522-07:00I think that in the end the Sadrists will wind up ...I think that in the end the Sadrists will wind up being more pragmatic than their rhetoric. Muqtada himself spent most of 2005 hanging out in the Green Zone, after all. Likewise, I think that most Democrats to the right of Kucinich won't have too much of a problem with a small-ish number of troops in an advise and assist role.AndrewSshihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12092217847584427587noreply@blogger.com