Last Combat Troops Leave Iraq

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I think our hands are kinda tied on Iran. But you may be right, from an intel perspective we might be able to keep an eye on Iran, but nothing more than that.

Not sure what you mean by hands are tied, but our presence in Iraq offers a few strategic things:

- Possible future deployment location for our anti-missile system. Kind of hard for Iran to assault Israel with long range missiles if we have a system to shoot down their birds.

- Iraq becomes a possible staging area for future mid-east conflicts, whether they involve the defense of Israel, or whatever.

- Geographically, it puts an American presence right smack between Syria and Iran.

- Increased leverage on Iran in negotiations for nuclear non-proliferation.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Not sure what you mean by hands are tied, but our presence in Iraq offers a few strategic things:

- Possible future deployment location for our anti-missile system. Kind of hard for Iran to assault Israel with long range missiles if we have a system to shoot down their birds.

- Iraq becomes a possible staging area for future mid-east conflicts, whether they involve the defense of Israel, or whatever.

- Geographically, it puts an American presence right smack between Syria and Iran.

- Increased leverage on Iran in negotiations for nuclear non-proliferation.

Just what I said, I think our hands are tied, or better said, our options are limited regarding military action against Iran. For political reasons and as a matter of practical military resources, there is no way we'll strike yet a third Arab/Muslim nation in the span of 10 years without provocation. That just won't fly globally.

Think about it, Iran is one of the only nations in that region without nuclear weps. India, Pakistan, and Israel all have nuclear capabilities and can protect their sovereign borders. So why can't Iran? This is what Ahmadinejad is selling to the Iranian regime every day. And it's a pretty compelling argument.

This is an interesting debate on many levels and opinions vary, but I personally don't see it happening. I think Iran is more interested in appearing as a threat than actually becoming one. That's where they hold the most leverage against the United States and Israel. The minute the United States starts ramping up efforts to strike, we play right into Ahmadinejad's hands and lose credibility with the millions of Iranians who want change.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Not sure what you mean by hands are tied, but our presence in Iraq offers a few strategic things:

- Possible future deployment location for our anti-missile system. Kind of hard for Iran to assault Israel with long range missiles if we have a system to shoot down their birds.

- Iraq becomes a possible staging area for future mid-east conflicts, whether they involve the defense of Israel, or whatever.

- Geographically, it puts an American presence right smack between Syria and Iran.

- Increased leverage on Iran in negotiations for nuclear non-proliferation.

But I guess for the argument you're making, I totally agree. It's good for strategic purposes, but I think that's all it will ever boil down to.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

But I guess for the argument you're making, I totally agree. It's good for strategic purposes, but I think that's all it will ever boil down to.

Yeah, I never said we'd be there to start something with Iran. But we're there to respond. They're repeatedly hostile to Israel, saying they should be wiped off the map.

It's a deterrent more than anything.

[12thMan]

President Obama drawing down Iraq troops from 48,000 to 3,000 by year's end. Major development. I like it.

Sources: Obama Administration To Drop Troop Levels In Iraq To 3,000 | FoxNews.com

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

President Obama drawing down Iraq troops from 48,000 to 3,000 by year's end. Major development. I like it.

Sources: Obama Administration To Drop Troop Levels In Iraq To 3,000 | FoxNews.com

Major development? I think not. Perfect timing for the election season.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by saden1

Major development? I think not. Perfect timing for the election season.

...that too.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

...that too.

I look forward to hearing about his plan for troop reduction in Afghanistan.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by saden1

Major development? I think not. Perfect timing for the election season.

I don't think it helps him or hurts him. His base is all ready pissed it has taken so long and the others knew it would not be done over night.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I don't think it helps him or hurts him. His base is all ready pissed it has taken so long and the others knew it would not be done over night.

I think you're probably right. Bush already had a deal in place to withdraw all troops by end of 2011 (conditions based), Obama is drawing down all but 3K.

[12thMan]

I'm pretty sure GOP candidates and pundits will make hay of this and kick up some dust, but I think it's the right move for the country.

[saden1]

How much money will be saved from next years budget? I expect Obama will take the credit and the mob will forget he is a war president by choice for 3 years.

[nonniey]

Well, I always thought we should have kept 1 big Air Base in Irbil or Sulamaniya. Most Americans don't know this but up in the Kurdish regions we can take off our body armor, put away the long guns and actually go downtown. Just about the same as any European town.

[SmootSmack]

So it seems Obama's about to announce all troops out of Iraq by the end of the year, full withdrawal...save for a few who will stay at the Embassy

[saden1]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

So it seems Obama's about to announce all troops out of Iraq by the end of the year, full withdrawal...save for a few who will stay at the Embassy

Great news...I also hear he is going to announce it on an air craft carrier wearing top gun gear with a banner that reads "Iraqi Mission Withdrawn. Bin Laden Killed, Justice Done. Qaddafi Gone. America, Fck Yeah! Vote Obama 2012." in the background.