The Bases Are Loaded: US Permanent Military Presence in Iraq

[cgleeish]

For as long as I remember, we were always at Iraq and will always be from what it sounds like. It's scary to think that war has already been part of our everyday lives and many don't even realize it. Because we've been at war with Iraq for what seems forever, many people already forget that we are currently living in a period of war. And after watching this video, it is obvious that we never planned to leave the country at all!

[aggykryss]

I used to complain that we had no exit strategy from the war in Iraq... After watching this video, it is apparent that exiting the country was never in the plan to begin with! Years after the conflict began and months after the official "end of combat operations" (which is questionable), I am still angry at the Bush administration for this abomination of an invasion.

[albedoshader]

@aggykryss: "Mission accomplished" was one of the greatest farces.

[sunshineuk1965]

of course the US planned permanent bases, what did people think, so many trillion of dollars in a military operation to "help the people" of Iraq?!

[dogterd]

Let's be honest folks, all of us love our cars and trucks, our mobility, our shopping, our boats, quads, dirtbikes, Harleys... cheap plane tickets and suburban homes. We need oil for this lifestyle. Forever, and ever and ever. We'll live this way until it all collapses, and then we'll see some absolute anarchy.

[sunshineuk1965]

@dogterd

This may be true, but if true democracy and transparency existed and people were made to understand the choices of their government, they would say ENOUGH and press for change.

[KWahine455]

There can be no more obvious indicator that the United States has no intention of pulling out of Iraq then building multiple mega-bases and a palatial U.S. Embassy. If Iraq is sitting on the largest oil reserve in the world then the permanent presence of the U.S. in Iraq is a harbinger of things to come. This begins as empire building but if the the map @ 26:12 is any indication the U.S. is headed toward world domination.

[billy1303]

@KWahine455 Of course, we already have over 1,000 bases is foreign countries. What did you think we were doing? It would be almost impossible now to take over the U.S., because not only would you have to blow up the U.S., but you would have to blow up every other country that we have presence in. We have the whole world surrounded. Look up all the bases we have, and which countries they are in. It's pretty shitty that our gov. would do this to people.

[2paclove2]

@billy1303 dont worry the ottmans controlled a lot of countries for almost 400 hundred years and they fell so usa could fall any time tomorrow or a 1000 years from now no one knows but history has a way of repeating itself

[sporky69]

@2paclove2 It sure does!

[Greenhornet270]

Incredible stealing going on in Iraq...I saw HUGE thefts in Vietnam in 1968-69......but these guys got AIR conditioning and REAL meat and eggs? TV? Jesus somebody is getting filthy rich of this war.

Vietnam Vet

1968-69

[Greenhornet270]

Great Posts...they honestly tell the truth...what HAPPENED to Obama? I voted for him and he is NO difference than Bush???

[jasmine11k]

Nadia Keilani is my mom! =D

[CaptainDistracted]

... Makes sense,... I don't know why it does, but it does! The US isn't finished with its agenda... NWO!

[sysopkc]

Haha Nadia is assuming it was working ok to begin with. There wasnt much to tear down even in the 80's Nadia, much less 5 years ago. Although I agree with Chalmers.

[mysty0]

I wonder if the spartans even stopped to think the persians were coming to improve the life of greeks?

[talon115]

The US never would have went in if it had intended to leave at some point!

[sleepytomnc]

It doesn't matter if they are permanent or not. The contractors just want to keep building them.... they probably make a pretty good profit tearing them down too.

[mramz88]

but im not an officer so im probably under guessing

[mramz88]

more likely closer to 50k because of the situation in iran. but in 2-3 years the iran situation could get worse so u could possibly see several hundred thousand permanently there if war is highly likely

[mramz88]

im an human intelligence collector and seargant in the army and i can say that by mid 2012 latest iraq, if things keep getting better like they are now, the vast majority of troops will have left iraq except a few permanent bases with anywhere form 10k to 50k soldiers in the country total in bases significantly away from the major urban centers of the country.

[thomasg74]

لموت للامبريالية فيفا العراق

[fistofthenorthstar89]

Okay but America will live Forever no matter what

[KilshawInt]

all ephemeral sensory bases are transitory and imperminent

[oldKTown07]

U.S is definitely not gona be leaving anytime soon. So in the meantime our gov. will be on a aimless spending spree. there is no concern for Iraq, if there was, the troops would actually be saving people, not lavishing in condominiums, swimming in pools and sippin on starbucks,

[rootsee]

The U.S. is more than obviously there to stay in Iraq. If only the U.S. were there to actually promote peace and democracy rather than trying to gain control of the oil. There is no way the U.S. can say they're only trying to promote democracy while billion dollar bases are being built for the Americans, they government has a much bigger and different plan in store that will probably end up only improving the U.S.

[tool68und]

The U.S. might just as well claim Iraq as the fifty-first state. Perhaps our focus on the declining economy is just a smoke screen for our dominating presence in Iraq.

[CosmicFork]

Iraq has become an American and Iranian Condominium. (albeit a rather bad and run-down one).

[scheung07]

america has distroyed iraq!!

[stirrrrrr]

How does Obama fullfill the 16 month withdraw promise?

[procommenter]

McCain? Obama? It's of no consequence. In no important way does it make a hair's-breadth worth of difference which one-worlder "wins" the office of Chief Magistrate.

[classybabe08]

like what you see? dont be nervous! MESSAGE ME (msn)! 0

[sthaing]

ps... Bush is an idiot

[sthaing]

I think America has really no choice but to stay. It's not like America can pack up our stuff and leave since fear has already be established because of 9/11. So, in order to "protect" the country they have to stay. Even if we do leave, we will never be sure what the middle east is capable of, or their true feeling towards America. In my opinion, I think almost the entire world has some hatred towards the country. For some reason America thinks that the world should all be governed the same.

[Gee741852963]

Wouldn't be easier to buy the OIL???

[AlexFate101]

A very good film - Thank-you.

Alex

[richard1000garcia300]

The only thing I know is that America should take over the world. If we guys dont, then Russia is! and we dont want that... So Bush, take action bring piece world wide, and not just Iraq. Plus if you dont some other country is, China, Russia, or some other lunatic country. So act now before its to late. (I'm shore that the other countries would stab us in the back, if they could.) So act now! Before we do; dont you know we could all have a better life! Have freedom!

[jobohabannebes]

Freedom brought by war doesn't exist!

[L0C85]

Its 2008 and there are still no permanent bases yet? That is taking way too long. At least our embassy is up and running and permanent, but to get it through some people's head, even though Bush says Iraq is "sovereign", everybody knows Iraq belongs to America. In 5 years Congress will vote to make Iraq the 51st state. You can also reserve yourself a piece prime real estate for cheap while it is still a territory at iraqhomesteadDOTcom. Look it up!

[DaColt88]

this is a bad idea, these people do not want us there in the first place, its just to keep a tight hold on the oil, get it threw your freaking head

[dogterd]

This is boring! I'm going back to watching World Wresting Federation and E Talk Daily.. maybe Britney Spears has a zit on her nose!

Oh yeah, gotta fill up my Escalade too!!

la la la la la la la !!!

[bapyou]

LOL

I have a zit on my nose. Wanna hear about it?

[dogterd]

sorry, I'm watching Partridge Family reruns.... and then Glen Beck comes on... oh, that Danny Bonaduche!!! He's such a scamp... you'd never have guessed he'd wind up on Crack and living in his car.... oh... but that was before he kicked the shit out of that guy on "Celeb Boxing..."

Geeves, did you book the Hummer for service? It made a horrible noise at the Country Club today, they looked at me like I was a Hillbilly!

[bapyou]

They looked at you like you're a hillbilly at the Country Club? Well, I guess some people never escape their roots, do they?

So this means that you're NOT interested in hearing about the zit on the end of my nose? I guess I don't exist. (*cricket noises*)

[Bound4War]

dont forget to hang urself u dirty jew haha

[Latinbebo1]

bush said, "are you with us, or are you against us", so if my country doesnt want to be part of the american terrorism, will they get invade if they dont what to be part of it by the force? man you sick, and i believe this is just the beginning, they will invade another country too if they feel they have to

[Latinbebo1]

zebchronicles, by the force? haha you fucking sick people, thats why all are against your politics, because thats what you do, you invade a country and then "spread the democracy", you are a joke

[zebchronicles]

Im glad we're invading. lets take over the world and spread democracy by force if necessary

[Jambo6813]

What is inside your head? porridge.

[aviomaster]

--- BUSH is stupid fucktard with HIS JEW ZIONIST friends .... which will fuck UP USA democracy .... and take us in WW-III ...

[joshuabrockington]

i'm so sick of listening to that idiot lie. he's not even good at it, and yet hes got 300 million idiots following his orders. he's lying to you and hes not even doing a good job of it.

hey america wake up!

iraq is a strategic launch point. whats the body count at?....umm... like who cares as long as they bodies are pilling up on that side of the ocean.

latest estimates are over a million. hundreds of millions of pounds of dead PEOPLE in the name of what?

in the name of america!

[ccf1971]

If you enjoy this, you may also like the documentary "Why We Fight." Chalmers Johnson is featured in that one also.

[GFang00]

Notice Bush's body language at 1:50 when asked the question about permanent bases. You can lie with words but your tone and body language reveal everything.

[Chromatype]

Rome fell. Britain's quest to rule failed. History leaves clues for future generations to learn from. But they never do. The hypocrisy and arrogance of it all is so complete that I just hope I am not around when the time for this imperialistic quest fails. It ain't gonna be pretty.

[GFang00]

I agree; the invasion of Iraq to defend Israel was likely the beginning of US's downfall.

[ed11561]

It was also to defend SaudiArabia-they were scared to death of Saddam.Also to put permanent bases also to guard the oil.Not just Israel.Now Saudi Arabia will not increase oil to bring down the price.Go take over SaudiArabia BUSH.15 of the hyjackers were from SaudiArabia-why didn't we attack them 7 years ago??????Huh BUSH???

[MinuteMan9911]

Welcome to the machine.

[thirteendreams]

I love watching Dahr Jamail & Chalmers Johnson speaking truth to power :)

[dave777blaster]

Bush is a liar America is bankrupt and faces Depression he will rape Iraq take all their oil and when the oil is gone he will leave

no reconstruction or very minimal reconstruction will take place

[Korbin57]

Of course mcthorogood you are right. We put the first communications gear at Diego Garcia around 1971. Navy Fleet Weather Central electronics technicians built the first communications station to be shipped there. Much as I hate to admit it we are now building 14 new permanent bases in the middle east. So that ups the number of foreign bases to 714. At least that is the number of non classified bases that we admit to having.

[Korbin57]

As a contracting officer with 30 years in this racket I can absolutely state that some of the information in this video is false. The description of a cost plus fixed fee contract is not correct. While he uses the term "Cost Plus Fixed Fee" he then gives the definition of a "Cost Pluse Percentage of Cost" contract. It is against federal procurement regulations to award Cost Plus Percentage of Cost contracts period, no exceptions.

[mcthorogood]

Granted that, but isn't the overall intent of the video correct? If you say that these bases are not permanent, then I ask you when the U.S. plans to leave Diego Garcia?

[FISABILILAHI]

lol

[SharpThinker2008]

Fact is! After 911, BUSH DID SAY THAT WE WILL WREEK HAVOC IN THE ARAB RADICAL'S BACKYARD, SO...WHAT HAS HAPPENED....WE HAVE WREEKED HAVOC SINCE THEN. END OF PROMISE BY BUSH. THAT REGION IS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY EVERY DAY. MESSAGE TO THOSE ARAB RADICALS: DON'T REPLAY ANOTHER 911 OR ELSE WE SHALL RETURN TO BE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sokoboo]

3000 innocent people die in the USA. That gives them the right to kill 100,00 in unrelated country?

[Gee741852963]

Problem is that both were killed by the same people!!!

[johnnycastle86xx]

venezuela has the biggest oil reserves in the world or the second i am not sure.

[pixelelement]

ya Venezuela is top 6 or 7 but not even close to the first or 2nd.

Saudi Arabia

Iran

Iraq

Kuwait

UAE

Venezuela

[tjm7077]

You forgot Canada (at #2 with about 180 billion barrels of proven oil reserves).

[JackedUpOnTheJuice]

Today! Please Check out the Boston Tea Party...Youtube it...Also Check out Ron Paul!

[rtoddjohnson1]

Our withdrawal plan is the same as it is for Japan and Germany and Korea. We will be there for 100 years and rightly so.

[lifime]

u idiot

[ARTisTheHeARTofeARTh]

there is NO comparison you fool.

[FREEW0RLD2012]

"Visiting workers"? Yeah, right. SLAVES is more accurate.

[lastnymleft]

That was the impression I got, too! Of course, they use Indian workers because they are much cheaper than using US workers. The US building industry is in a depression, and the neo-cons go and spend real money on Indian labourers!

We can't afford this, either way.

We all need to get behind Dr Ron Paul, before it's too late.

[emailremarii]

Japanese attempted such empire building tactic in the Pacific but they failed after the international community rallied against them. I am afraid that if the USA continue doing this... We will witness the Fall of Its Empire comparable to that of Japan.

[ARTisTheHeARTofeARTh]

donT be afraid for it is already starting (unless the "president" and his cronies all leave by their own free will, which doesn't look like its going to happen. but they will be leaving.

[rvbarnesboy]

yoga? oh my sweet feathery Jesus. somebody DO something

[brd3tc]

Ron Paul!!!

[anyusmoon1]

'A studious refusal to discuss the issue' a mainstay of the Bush administration, our entire govenment is unaccountable of frick'n out of CONTROL!!!!

[KingdomAwaits]

Idiot... it is the local governments that need to be pitted... they are the ones that rob and rape the little people on a larger and direct scale. On top of it filled with a bunch of fuckwits out of control.

[KingdomAwaits]

Back to anyusmoon1 for a second... the cities need to be under more direct Federal control like parts of them already are. Plenty of Mayors and city counsols are garbage that do nothing for their cities but pillage them.

[GOPatriotHero]

Shocking and embarrassing for the US. Our puppets in Iraq will do our bidding for the forseeable future and ensure we can maintain our cities/bases all over their country. In essence we PWN Iraq.

[anyusmoon1]

You know... even though I fully realize the Federal gov is NOT responsible for US cities, ie Katrina; in light of this abomination of foreign investment for permanent entangling alliance in IRAQ I'm fricken DISGUSTED. GAWD.

[billy1303]

@anyusmoon1 You know we are not paying for our oversea bases, right? Like Japan, they pay for everything that base needs (excluding military weapons). The iraq gov. trades oil with us in return for our presence. We have over 1000 military bases overseas. We have no way of paying for that. We just sign contracts with countries (like after a war), and they pay for it or we get oil, or ect. to keep the base their and set up defense systems. That's how it works.

[anyusmoon1]

@billy1303 I would have to see the breakdown on these claims as I have a very hard time fathoming the largest embassy in the world (iraq) being 'paid' or 'traded' for by the Iraqi's. Ron Paul has made a very long standing claim that to close our overseas bases would save us billions.

Either way I do not support a military industrialized complex as it is unconstitutional to have a permanent standing army and immoral (fascist) to profit off of war.

[billy1303]

@anyusmoon1 Go to Japan, German, or UK vids where they say they fund our bases. It would save us money, because we have to stock them with defense systems and military jets. There Japanese gov. said they pay for us to be their because withour us they would go bankrupt. They rely on us to heavily, because we supplied thousands of them with jobs. We've been in Japan for over 60 yrs. The Iraqi gov. agrees with us because we are not fighting them Continued -->

[billy1303]

@billy1303 Continued We are fighting the "rebels". They sign the contract with us wether the iraqi people like it or not. The people of Japan and Germany don't want our bases their either, and you can find vids where they say this. You can find where the gov. says that they have an agreement with us and can not break it. I can give you proof on a lot of stuff. We are also in war on "terror" with 7 countries, and fixing to do 9 more w/ allies of course. That is 100% proof that you can find.

[albedoshader]

@billy1303: That's the most surprising fact. The "host" nations have to pay for the US bases. Okinawa (Japan) and Germany pay an awful lot for US Golf courses, spas, club houses and whatnot. Johnson's "Blowback" is a real eye opener in that respect.

[KingdomAwaits]

You don't have to be a stupid dick about it. Don't get me wrong... im a supporter on the issue. We must... but like I said...

[sidrosteel]

Wow.

[ariakokoschka]

I just don't understand how people are not as outraged as I am over this plan. I need to know what everyone else is smoking in this world -- I feel left out.

[kingakad]

the jordanian news paper published that 36000 israelies expert were traveled to iraq through thier ailines,for any person who reads this will understand why?and for what all those who are using and benefiting from all this? while american army paying the price to protect those israelies and iraqi goverment which they are both thieves ,the only one will suffer are the poor us troops and the poorest iraqi people plus indirect are the american economy and the us citizens for the long turn

[kingakad]

and as for the history prooved that must someone will pay this price and i am sorry to say that the only one will be paying this for ever are the american people who are not aware what is going to happen when they are led by an idiods leaders.when he causes oh 1.4m iraqi peole killed and more than 3000 us troops killed while triple these numbers who are disabled and ten times who are effected from sicknes to mental problems

[kingakad]

i think the american peopl should be more concern than iraqies as for the future of amirican this is not good run for them ,they and forever will be cursed socity by every person on earth due to this stupid policy of Mr bush who only care to show himself as the freedom fighter but in fact he commited the wrose crime on this planet

[navtel]

the bush administration is the worst ever.. the UN is inept.. the world leaders are also inept and continue to pander to the US / Israel.

[nlightnd07]

If this is true, it is incredibly alarming and disconcerting. It's a very convincing video clip.

[Geotheologian]

He has some books out, "Blowback, Nemesis and The Sorrows of Empire- all highly reccomended. He also has a lot of comments in

the movie "Why We Fight". His thesis is practically indisputable.

[badattitude77769]

@Geotheologian Excellent books, not cheerful.

[vistavision2]

Syria: 25 year commitment to stablize israeli mess created in 1981. Shall usa have that same time span political commitment; or will attrition of usa forces cut it short (without draft? bush 43 at afghanistan, jumps into iraq; and clowns of academia advisors theorize iran conflict is feasible?? china, india, & russia may have step in to stabilize bush43 mess at cost to usa national interests built up for fifty years.

[ariakokoschka]

Wow! Just WOW!

[dharmamarx]

Excellent upload.  Thanks!

[aburashdan]

i want american troops to guard me 24/7, i am a war criminal by some, hence to protect my american ass will american taxpayers arrange me a protection round the clock by an abrams tank crew with full supply for the next 2 decades? will cost just a fraction of the bill you are footing. well?

[vistavision2]

offer more simple solution: M13 issues declaration "any person, group, power fucks with aburashdan gets into wreck with its 300,000 members"; what do you offer in return?

[eatmejesus]

What America has done in Iraq is shameful. Arabic people hate America more, and more every day. Excellent Tube AlternateFocus

[GreatMoviesForever]

The Americans want to extend there country to make it bigger, thats why they are taking over Irag and Baghdad, they want to destroy the iragi people they dont want the iragi people to exsist no longer, they just want the Americans to take over the world! thats the truth, and yes they want the oil and water so they can make more electric and have flying cars like from the movie Back to the Future.

[vistavision2]

greatmoviesforver, if that was the case: good. 25 million more American citizens/voter base- usa would declare war on israel at next election of congress.

[oyate1960]

GWB. As soon as his mouth moves it's nonstop lies. And I love the "supervisors" of "guest workers". That there is a union job if I ever saw one. Bunch of guys standing around looking. And I love the way you people keep paying for this junk. You pay, they play.

[splashy9]

Very interesting. Figures that we hear NOTHING on the MSM.

[natej11]

Is there anyone who still thinks Iraq wasn't 100% about profiting war companies and big oil, and their pocket politicians in the Bush regime?

[vistavision2]

nate11 ,agree halburton is relocating its hq from texas to gulf state emirate: doesn't have to pay usa taxes while applying usa gov to advance its profiteeering object at the cost of usa national interests.

[nofunclub]

american democracy in a nutshell.

who is Ron Paul?

(youtube it)

[labsub]

Yup, wev'e been playing this game for a LONG time. Enjoy your congress!

[sloyvenhaven]

Good stuff.

[breaks0]

Good vid. Minor quick: Johnson is wrong about Iran being the principal beneficiary of all of this, and even more so when he says it makes Israel more vulnerable. Iran stronger in certain ways, but they're also more encircled than ever before. And I strongly doubt Israel, which is running around bombing Lebanon and dividing Palestine in two, w/it's 200 nukes is more vulnerable b/c of Iraq. If anything, we're helping them.

[berliita]

Very interesting and convincing. Thanks, AlternateFocus, for producing this film, and for making it freely available.