why are american forces still staying in iraq?
599744
they are still there because they beleive that america has the moral right, and an economic and political interest to win this war. the reality is, they dont and they wont!
383961
No, our nation is currently building several permanent bases in Iraq.  We won't be out of there for a long time
995462
America and our western allies DO NOT HAVE the support or TRUST of the people of Iraq! Our soliders will continue to be killed because we cannot win the hearts, minds, and faith of the people of Iraq. \n\nThe people of Iraq continue to suffer due to our occupation there. Our soliders have killed ( a kill is in the line of duty) and murdered (an unjust taking of a life) hundreds of thier people. Terrorist have done the same. The people of Iraq DO NOT SEE a difference between the Insurgents and our soliders...our being there has caused the death and suffering of many innocent people over there. Without the TRUE support of the people of Iraq America will not win.\n\nIf we kill one "Big Daddy" another one will take his place...this is a fact...Bush and the idiots on "the Hill" don't know sh*#!
933520
The insertion of troops was a major mistake. The entire region under Islamic influence from Morocco to Indonesia is far less stable as a result. The U.S. is increasingly seen as dictatorial by increasing numbers of people around the world. Our economy has been vastly weakened. We do not have enough troops available should other emergencies develop. The Civil War, denied by the Bush administration but acknowledged as being fully underway by the rest of the world, deepens daily and leaves American troops there as sitting ducks. There can be no victory in Iraq. Just as the British learned after World War I, the Iraqis will not be conquered. There is too much value underground (oil) and too much division above-ground. The only result of continued occupation will be increasing governmental debt for the U.S. and more dead and injured American soldiers. Military contractors such as Halliburton are being enriched. The Bush administration has no idea of what they mean by "victory", nor does Tony Blair in England.
1106076
They are helping to rebuild the country and keep the insurgents down.  They're not intentionally killing anyone and having the constant threat of IED's definitely is not "just hanging around".  It's still very dangerous and volatile over there.  What the news doesn't tell you, that our soldiers know, is that the Iraqi people do appreciate all we're doing and sacrificing for them.  Very slowly, they are starting to help themselves, but we'll be assisting for quite some time.
776759
America should be serious with the Iraq issue or else it will be another Vietnam.  Troops must stay or leave completely, it is only one choice but must be properly implemented.
933503
to busy staying the course in Iraq. or did they cut and run in Afghanistan?
921341
They are towards leaving Iraq.  They really don't have a plan right now.  They wanted to use scare tactics against Americans, so they get the vote.  As of now, I haven't heard any plans yet.
444655
Active Army Enlisted, OIF II Veteran.  Despite what is commonly seen in the press and the news networks, the country is steadily improving.  To date, there have been multiple, successful elections, constant improved infrastructure (schools, hospitals, roadways, pipelines, etc.) and a better trained, better supplied military (to include APCs and transport aircraft).\n\nOf course, starting from nothing after the invasion, to it's expected goal, will obviously take a long time.  However, the US must accept the direction Iraq wishes to take with its newfound democracy.  This is a double edge sword that can result in not only a free and successful Iraq, but also a fundamentalist nation, not to far from similar states such as Iran or Palestine.\n\nOne thing that must be remembered that in order to prevent further instability, the US and UK must not force a stable democracy to fast in Iraq.  As it has been seen is many other nations such as Rwanda in the 1990s, when foreign governments intervene with the good intention to produce a stable nation before sed nation is ready to embrace a "mature democracy", the result is further instability and therefore, in the case of Iraq, the increased continued presence of US troops in Iraq.\n\nCase in point, the US was not considered a mature democracy, recognizable to the rest of the world as a first world, influential nation till about 1940 to 1960, around to 180 years after the nation was founded.  As stated before, Iraq needs time and the freedom to set its own government at its own pace.
465019
Because 23 million Iraqis are counting on us for their future.  They have voted for democracy - in spite of the threat of death for the 'crime' of voting.  IMO these people have shown more courage than the American people who (despite the fact that they are not sacrificing anything) want to cut and run, and yet again betray the US servicemembers.\n\nWe have two choices:\n\n1) Finish what we are doing.\n2) Abandon 23 million people to massacre and dictatorship.\n\nDo _you_ want to abandon the Iraqi people to the terrorists who send suicide bombers into mosques?\n\nPersonally, I support the war because I have served a tour over there and as a result know that what you are getting on the news is distorted and negative.
54281
the americans wanted oil from the iraq. when the iraq did not want to give them they want to have war
878775
That's political face saving at best trying to buy time to come up with an excuse to leave. The truth is there is no saving the situation in Iraq. This is now a tribal and religious war and will have to burn itself out we are just in the way. The govt that was elected in Iraq is so convoluted that no one has real power just the militias and they have infiltrated everything to the highest levels. Thus the Iraq army has been totally nullified along with the police forces. There is no getting it right that ship has long ago sailed. The generals hopes and dreams will not change that. It would be best to get out or move our troops to the oil facilities only and keep the crude safe from terrorist and insurgents. Any extra troops can be sent to Afghanistan that can still be saved. Once the most powerful tribes win control of Iraq we can then do like all the rest before us supply them with weapons and expertise and thus prop up another new Saddam.
498694
It is a lost cause. Most Americans do not believe in the war anymore. I believe we will stay for another year and then leave. The American people want the troops out of Iraq.
1123672
I think the troops will still remain there coz u'll still have the war against terror and the al quida to deal with.If America attacks Iran(I pray that they dont),then u have a additional obligation of maintaining law and order in Iran.\nThe other line of thinking is the oil part,America will keep its troops stationed in every region where there is oil (to protect its interests).
302930
the money is staying with the iraqi people, and where it goes is determined by the iraqi government. and for the record, Bush sold his oil company years ago, so he couldnt possibly have gained from it
890113
They will stay until Iraq is stable enough to be on its own, and not a minute sooner, I assure you. The President still controls the military and both Democrats and Republicans can see the value of a reliable Democracy in the Middle East so do not expect them home anytime soon. Sorry to burst your bubble, I know you just want them out of harms way.
198923
Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, there is going to be some sort of permanent presence of the US military in Iraq basically forever. We retain soldiers in Japan, in Italy, in Germany, in the Indian Ocean, on the Arabian peninsula, in Thailand, etc. The Middle East is going to continue to be of strategic importance to both the US and our European allies, even if we continue to have slap fights with them like we are now.\n\nThe only question is, will the US military stay in a combat mode in Iraq? I believe that, eventually, the military and political process in Iraq will be successful, and the combat position of our military will be greatly reduced. The idea that the American military presence in Iraq will ever be reduced to zero is unnecessarily misleading, and will only lead to further recriminations both with the Iraq people and with the US population.