If you ever really thought that all US forces would be pulled out of Iraq by the end of the year you are a bit naive.
While there is no doubt the drawdown is going well, there is also little doubt that the US will have troops in that country for many years to come and the sooner we address that issue the better.
Clearly reports from the region, both Iraqi and American, suggest that something is in the works. The fact is the Iraqis need our defensive help and air power as much as we need air bases within seconds of the Iranian border. The question is: Where does the US build a permanent facility that doesn't cause resentment within the local population?
The answer is northern Iraq, probably Erbil, where a permanent US facility would be surrounded by very pro-American Kurdish Iraqis. Such a facility would be advantageous from a number of different perspectives.
First and foremost is the proximity such a base would give the US to Iran, Syria and the rest of the Middle East. Second, a US presence would act as a buffer between two allies, the Turks and Kurds, who have been embroiled in war since the early 80's. Finally, the Iraqis will need US assistance from time to time (or more) and will need US assets in the area in order to be effective.
Point is the reasons are too great, from the Iraqi and American strategic point of view, for the US to fully leave the country. So if you think 2011 will mean the end of the Iraqi chapter... think again. It just looks like a new chapter is about to begin.
