Talabani says Iraq wants some permanent US military bases
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said he would like to have U.S. military bases in his country for an extended period to prevent foreign interference in Iraq, the Washington Post said on Monday.
Talabani was asked in an interview in New York last week if U.S. bases would be welcome in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
"Yes, they are welcome," he said. "Kurdistan wants the Americans to stay. In some places Sunnis want the Americans to stay. Sunnis think the main danger is coming from Iran now. There is a change in the mind of the Sunnis. The Sunnis are for having good relations with America."
Talabani said Iraq would be in need of U.S. forces for "a long time" to prevent interference from other nations.
I believe he is over stating the case, but probably does reflects the opinion of most of the Kurds. The Kurds are probably aware that a seperate Kurdistan will face a great risk of war with Turkey and Iran without international backing and support. In fact that may be the only thing keeping Kurdistan from declaring independence right now.
Jay