US should have a military presence in Iraq – Gates

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Defense Secretary Robert Gates believes that the U.S. should have a military presence in Iraq, after the proposed withdrawal at the end of this year, as part of a balance to match the Iranian influence in the region, as stated by Voice of America Radio today.   “The Iraqi military knows they will need U.S. assistance following this year, particularly in the air defence, intelligence information and logistic operations,” he added.   “The U.S. military presence is undesirable, which complicates the will of the Iraqi leaders to ask for the troops to stay. I hope they will reach a certain way to ask for further stay, then the United States will be ready to say Yes,” Gates continued.   He pointed out that the United States should support the democracy in Iraq and its progress, which was achieved by American funds and souls.   On the strategic importance of U.S. forces’ stay in Iraq, he added “this will give a strong sign to the area that we are not leaving, and will continue our role, which will pacify the Gulf countries, but not Iran, so there is a reciprocal interest for both Iraq and America to continue this relationship”.   These comments were made after his speech on U.S. global priorities, held in Washington. 1119