US troops will be in the Middle East for next 50 years, says Abazaid
Associated Press
Thursday November 1, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
US troops could be in the Middle East for another 50 years, according to the longest serving commander of the Qatar-based US Central Command.
General John Abazaid, who retired in May, said the "strategic situation" in the region - the rise of extremism and the global dependence on oil - would necessitate a long-term presence. "Over time, we will have to shift the burden of the military fight from our forces directly to regional forces, and we will have to play an indirect role.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2203337,00.html