U.S.-Iraqi Tensions

"Iraqi lawmakers say the United States is demanding 58 bases as part of a proposed "status of forces" agreement that will allow U.S. troops to remain in the country indefinitely."

There has always been rumors floating around in the media about making a permanent home for the military in the Middle East, but now it is confirmed. 

The Bush Administration will be following the "Korea Model" which refers to the presence of American military in South Korea for 54 years after the end of the war. 

After all that we have learned in this class about militarization, this present day example seems most obvious. The Bush Administration wants to set up permanent bases conveniently located around most of the world's oil supply and right near Iran, a country we are having a lot of tension with right now. 

This set up of more American bases only increases our power and presence around the world and is seen as a good strategic movement for our country.

Just think, they took over Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean to have close proximity to Iraq, and that is thousands of miles away from Iraq! Now they could be right in their backyard forever. 

I think that since the UN mandate expires at the end of 2008, the U.S. should respect and follow the rules. We're already in negotiations for a SOFA with them anyways!