Iraq Future Bases
(Stations: This report is based on interviews with U-S military engineers and others before and during writer Charles J. Hanley's two weeks as an embedded reporter at major U-S bases in Iraq.)
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AP) _ The question of America's future in Iraq looms large as the U-S military enters the fourth year of the war facing a stubborn, persistent insurgency.
Interim prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (EE'-brah-heem ahl JAH'-fah-ree) opposes permanent foreign bases. There's also a wide range of American opposition, including from General Anthony Zinni former U-S Mideast commander and a critic of the original invasion.
But there are concrete suggestions, literally, of a long U-S stay. At one air base, the concrete goes on in a mile-long slab that's now the home of up to 120 U-S helicopters.
Another giant base in Iraq's western desert is a like a bustling small town, with fast food, a car dealership and traffic regulations.
Iraqis also suspect a long stay and strong majorities tell pollsters they'd like to see a timetable for a U-S withdrawal.
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