Iraq's Defense Minister Forsees U.S. Soldiers In Iraq Until 2016

U.S. Army soldiers with Delta Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division search for weapons caches in Mosul, Iraq, on Aug. 25, 2010. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Reagan, U.S. Army. (Released)

Iraqi Official Foresees A U.S. Military Presence Until 2016 -- L.A. Times

Baghdad is buying American military gear and weapons, which have yet to arrive. U.S. forces must stay to train Iraqis on how to use them, Defense Minister Abdul Qader Obeidi says.

Reporting from Baghdad — Some form of U.S. military presence will be needed in Iraq at least until 2016 to provide training, support and maintenance for the vast quantity of military equipment and weaponry that Iraq is buying from America, Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Obeidi said.

In addition, Iraq will continue to need help with intelligence gathering after 2011, and the fledgling Iraqi air force will require U.S. assistance at least until 2020, the date by which Iraq aims to achieve the capability to defend its airspace, Obeidi said.

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My Comment: I still believe that this date is too optimistic. In fact, I see U.S. troops in Iraq waaayyy past 2020 .... and then some more. Iraq's strategic position and vast oil reserves makes this country one of America's most important allies .... and will continue to be for years and years to come.