Americans in Iraq for the Long Haul

As I have postulated in previous posts (here and here), Iraq in many respects mirrors the Philippines.

The US had military forces in the PI for 94 years and we now have verbal confirmation, besides all the circumstantial evidence provided by the enduring bases and Green Zone Mega-Embassy, the US plans to remain in Iraq for the Long Haul.

Bush has declared American forces will never leave Iraq during his Dictatorship and, when asked whether it might last 10 years, replied: "It could easily be that, absolutely."

Of course, John McCain isn't content with a mere decade. He wants the US to be in Iraq for 100 years...


And the military occupation will continue to be sold to the American populace as necessary for their safety, good for the economy and to bring the light of freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people...

Update (01/15):
Abdul Qadir, the current Iraqi Defense Minister stated Iraq will not be able to defend it's borders till at least 2018.

Update (01/18):
Tom Engelhardt has an excellent commentary on the Surge Success and the pronouncement of at least 10 more years...