If we leave Iraq should we keep an embassy there?

[snooper2]

If you say yes to that, then you say yes to having a couple hundred, couple thousand troops there for protection...

So get off Edwards ass....He is for stopping the War!

[TwilightZone]

1. There is zero chance that anyone could get every, single soldier out of Iraq anytime soon.

At the very least, we'll probably have military advisers and a military presence there for decades. Think Korea.

[dmallind]

2. Don't see why not

We have embassies in all manner of countries both friendly and otherwise. I doubt even in Iraq that it would be much of a target if we stopped the occupation. Guarding a building is a bit different from kicking in doors and hauling people off to torture them. Tends not to be resented quite as much.

[TahitiNut]

3. How many troops do we have at our embassy in Syria? In Viet Nam?

That's enough.


If an embassy cannot rely on the host country's law enforcement then get the fuck out!

[Deep13]

4. I can't. I'm a hemorrhoid.

Do you really think a couple thousand is needed to guard an embassy? Do our other middle-east embassies have that many? Just wondering.

[Nickster]

7. Have you seen the size of the embassy in Baghdad?

[snooper2]

8. I have no idea how many it takes...

I just understand the differenc between "all troops out of Iraq" and "all combat troops out of Iraq" unlike some people.

[LSK]

5. Randi said we still have 10000 troops in Bosnia

[neweurope]

6. Wrong place to ask. Ask the Iraqis, for Chrissake.

If THEY want you to, then it's time to talk about security.

------------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[Ganja Ninja]

11. Exactly! n/t

[KharmaTrain]

17. This Is Such a Ludicrious Question...

Yes, it's the Iraqi people to decide...and who knows if there will be an Iraq once the blood and dust settles. This is like asking if we should keep an embassy in Saigon after the fall.

A better way to frame this would be to ask if our country had been invaded and occupied by another country, after they withdraw, would we want any symbol of them left?

However, I suspect this is also a moot question because the "situation on the ground" will determine if we're wanted at all in that part of the world. It all depends on if we withdraw or retreat.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

9. Sure. The same way that I support Andorra having an embassy there.

It might be nice after the occupation ends and if Iraq wants us to have an embassy there.

[cyclezealot]

10. I say with time the Iraqi's will demand we leave

With all the destruction we've cause we'll be lucky if they don't chase us out with mobs clutching clubs. Only thing to stop the anger now, is possibly reparations.

[bullimiami]

12. if were on friendly terms then yes, a normal embassy.

not a negroponte den of ravers either.

[jkshaw]

13. Well, I suppose an embassy is okay.

We have embassies in other countries. But does the Iraq embassy have to be the size of a small city? Fortified like Fort Knox?

[Rageneau]

14. We'll leave an 'embarassy' there.

And it will be the only place in Iraq with lights, A/C and running water -- so our leaders can visit there in safety and comfort.

[BlooInBloo]

15. Those troops won't be in Iraq - so it makes no difference.

[snooper2]

What troops won't be in Iraq?

Any troops guarding an embassy or aid workers?

[BlooInBloo]

18. Embassy troops.

[snooper2]

16. What troops won't be in Iraq?

Any troops guarding an embassy or aid workers?

[BlooInBloo]

19. Embassy troops.

[Disturbed]

20. There will be at least 50K US Troops & 120K Mercs in Iraq

for decades. No matter if it is a Dem or Repug Admin. in '09.

[BlooInBloo]

21. Congratulations for talking about something that I wasn't.