Iraq: Occupied US Territory

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

America came to Iraq to stay, intending permanent occupation - at least as long as the country remains one of the world's major oil producers, the curse harming its people grievously.

The Pentagon currently has numerous bases in Iraq of varying sizes - including Main Operating Bases (MOBs), smaller Forward Operation Sites (FOSs), and Cooperative Security Locations (CLSs - called lily pads, used to preposition weapons, munitions, and small troop contingents).

Weeks earlier, Trump requested congressional funding for US military base construction in Iraq and Syria. 

On July 12, a White House policy statement on the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act expressed concern about lack of "additional requested authority for small-scale construction of temporary facilities that are necessary to meet operational needs and force protection requirements in both Iraq and Syria" – code language for US occupation of both countries.

Claiming funds are needed to continue combating ISIS conceals US support for terrorist fighters throughout the region and elsewhere.

So-called Operation Inherent Resolve was established to support ISIS and other Middle East terrorist groups - its aim to maintain Washington's regional control, including turning Syria into a vassal state like Iraq.

According to Syrian and Lebanese media, the Pentagon has at least seven bases in northern Syria, operating illegally without Damascus permission.

Iraqi sources reported construction underway for a large US military base in the country's Nineveh province.

Four more bases are planned to secure control over the border with Syria. Iraqi Lt. Col. Mahdi al-Khafaji said base construction began after talks between US and Iraqi forces in Mosul's Zammar district.

US Army Corps of Engineers reportedly completed over half the work on the initial base, to be used as an area command center. US special forces and advisers are already deployed there.

It's unclear what troop strength the Pentagon intends maintaining in Iraq and Syria. Permanent occupation is planned in both countries.

Washington has a compliant puppet in Iraq's Haider al-Abadi. 

Syria's Bashar al-Assad calls US and other foreign forces in the country illegal invaders - wanting them out, Syria liberated from their scourge.

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