Hilary Clinton is openly opposed to the War in Iraq. She is quoted saying, “I believe that we must bring an end to the war in Iraq.” Most people are familiar with her general stance on the war. However in reading some of her comments about the war in Iraq, I stumbled on something that I found to be quite thought provoking. She said, “I have also called on the Administration to be clear that the United States will not seek and will not maintain permanent bases in Iraq. Attempts to establish such permanent bases would damage U.S. interests in Iraq and the broader region, and I will continue to strongly oppose such efforts.” So my question for you is, why would Hilary Clinton be opposed to maintaining military bases in Iraq? If we were to maintain a few bases there, wouldn’t they offer a strategic military advantage whereby we would have a long lasting presence in the Middle East? Even if she wishes to withdrawal the troops from Iraq, what is the harm in keeping a military base there? I suppose one obvious answer might be that it will create more enemies abroad and in the Middle East because they will see this as a continual sign of aggression and disrespect. However if this is the only reason, I don’t think that it is enough to dismiss the idea of holding military bases there. One cannot deny the sheer strategic advantage that the United States could have if they were to maintain just one military base in that region.
Perhaps there is something that I am overlooking on this matter. If you have some insight or thoughts on the subject feel free to share them.
