The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #131536 Message #2968665
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
19-Aug-10 - 11:30 AM
Thread Name: BS: US combat troops left Iraq
Subject: RE: BS: US combat troops left Iraq
Some 50,000 troops in non-combat units remain (but will gradually be cut down, goal Oct. 11, 2011). The State Department is now in charge, according to NY Times lead article today. There are also 6000-7000 security contractors. Sone 2400 civiliand will work in the Baghdad and other offices. The State Department plans to double the security guards to some 7000 defending five fortified compounds around the country, operating reconnaissance drones, operating radar and staffing quick reaction forces.
Two new security outposts at $100 million each will be used to head off possible confrontations between the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces.
Sounds very expensive, and possibly unlimited "expenses."