Staying On

No Withdrawal from Iraq

Robert Gates sees "long-term residual presence" for 40,000 troops.

Obama’s campaign promise to withdraw from Iraq is meeting the cold reality of politics on the ground. After an interview with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, George Will writes: "Regarding Iraq, Gates is parsimonious with his confidence, noting that 'the multi-sectarian democracy has not sunk very deep roots yet.' He stresses, however, that there is bipartisan congressional support for 'a long-term residual presence' of perhaps 40,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and that the president elect's recent statements have not precluded that. Such a presence 'for decades' has, he says, followed major U.S. military operations since 1945, other than in Vietnam. And he says, 'Look at how long Britain has had troops in Cyprus.'" Gates also foresees a long stay in Afghanistan.