Yes, I say is no need for huge number of American forces. But I say we need some, there will be a need for two or three small bases for frightening others -- not to interfere in our internal affairs. Not to fight.
As Iraqis focus on building security forces to defeat the Baathists and jihadis, units more suited to defending against a conventional invasion--especially from Iran--will not exist in the numbers needed to win.
Thus, American forces to deter (President Talabani says to "frighten" but that is mere word choice) conventional invasion will need to remain in Iraq for some time.
Eventually, Iraqi army mechanized units will be built in sufficient numbers, and then logistics and maintenance support to sustain the Iraqi army will grow. Then the Iraqis will only need our air power. After that, Iraqi air power will grow and in time Iraq will have the full spectrum of military power to defend its territory.
And as I also said, this is not just a one-way street where we save Iraq. Our transformation of Iraq has created an ally that will soon be an asset to help us and not a consumer of American security. President Talabani also stated:
Terrorism is not only the enemy of Iraqi people. It is becoming to an international enemy for all human being in the world. And all Arab countries started to suffer like us from the terrorist activities.
These terrorist activities are a danger for peace, stability, and they want to bring back the worst kind of reactionary regimes to the Middle East. Of course we are determined to remain your partners in fighting against tyranny, terrorism and for democracy in the Middle East.
We are supporting your new policy in Middle East. We are proud to be your friends. We are proud to be your partners in fighting against terrorism. And we are grateful to you.
The idea that the Iraq War is a distraction in the war on terror is so ridiculous that sometimes I have trouble with believing that people actually argue this. The idea that we are unilateral cowboys is also so wrong that it is astounding that anybody with a cerebral cortex asserts this as fact.
If we can't get our "allies" like France and Germany to help, it is good to know that we can get new friends willing to help. Friends like Iraq. Or India. Or Japan. Or Poland.
And of course, old friends like Britain, the Netherlands, and Australia fight alongside us. I know I leave out others and I am aware of their help, I'm just giving examples.
