No Permanent Bases in Iraq

Spencer Ackerman of TPM Muckraker reported earlier today that the Bush administration has set policies for permanent US bases in Iraq, as well as other key issues like political benchmarks. Dodd campaign Communications Director issued this statement on Senator Dodd's position on permanent bases in Iraq:

Frankly, it's hard to believe that the Administration is just beginning to figure out what the future bilateral relationship with Iraq should look like after more than four years of military occupation. But, this declaration of principles is more notable for what it doesn't say than what it does. It does not require Iraqi leaders to make substantive progress on their political benchmarks nor does it end US military involvement in Iraq. Indeed, Senator Dodd is fearful that the lack of clarity on the long-term presence will be used as a justification by this Administration for a permanent military presence in Iraq, at precisely the time when we should be declaring the opposite. In a Dodd Adminsitration, there will be no permanent bases in Iraq.

Greg Sarget at TPM Election Central has more.

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