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Congressional report shows US investing hundreds of millions constructing "long-term" bases in Iraq

by Open-Publishing - Friday 15 April 2005
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Wars and conflicts Economy-budget International USA

Kucinich: New Report From Congressional Research Service Shows US Has Long-Term Plans To Stay In Iraq
Report Commissioned By Kucinich Shows US Is Spending Hundreds of Millions of Dollars On "Long-Term" Bases In Iraq

WASHINGTON — April 14 — A new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report commissioned by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), and released today, shows that the United States is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the construction of "long-term" bases in Iraq.

The report, requested in December, and completed this week, states that since 9/11, the Department of Defense has received supplemental funding of over $1 billion for military construction in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of the military construction funds, the report states, "some projects...suggest substantial U.S. investment to improve facilities that could be used for the longer-term." These long-term projects in Iraq include, $214 million for the Balad Air Base and $49 million for the Taji Military Complex.

"This report clearly indicates that, despite recent press accounts, this Administration has no plans to leave Iraq any time soon, and raises questions about whether permanent bases are being built," stated Kucinich. "The US military presence in Iraq is counterproductive, and the construction of ’long-term’ bases in the country will only prolong the occupation and cause more US casualties. It is time for this Administration to be straight with the American people, and the Congress, and let them know their true intentions in Iraq."

The report, issued by the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, is the first congressional report that has identified specific locations in Iraq where the U.S. is possibly constructing a permanent military presence.

For a complete copy of the report please contact Doug Gordon at (202) 225-5871, copies are also available at http://www.house.gov/kucinich.

http://www.commondreams.org/news200...

Forum posts

  • Long term plans? "All hail the President of the World!" If you don’t, we’ll invade you.

    • Without finding WMD and with Saddam no longer in power, what is the reason for long term
      bases in Iraq? Is it the OIL? I think it is time for the American populace to demand a full
      accounting from those who presented a WMD case as the reason for the prolonged excursion
      and the loss of so many lives, US military and Iraqi civilians.

    • What is our excuse for staying? Why aren’t we rebuilding schools for the Iraqis rather than building bases for ourselves? Many Iraqis still do not have water and power.

  • And, let’s not forget Hamid Karzai’s recent request for a "long-term" security pact with the U.S. that will involve permanent bases. Although the rest of the world hates us, an American with wanderlust will soon have the opportunity to vacation in Kabul or Baghdad as soon as things "quiet down."

  • Old Sowjet style: invited by friend the troops stay forever. But don’t forget it is also your local government f. e. Europe, Asia which teams up with the U.S., because it is the way to stay in power and
    commit any crime under the cover of the fight against terrorists. Long since all western governments face opposition, because the times getting worse for employees and protests are no longer avoidable.

    Many countries have now added phony laws like the patriot act. Wake up! Democracy dies by inches and should be defended now.