The Bush Administration: Against Permanent Bases in Iraq Before It Was For Them

Oh, for the halcyon days when the Bush administration saw fit to deny that it sought a permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq. Let’s take a look at what senior administration officials said way back when, shall we?

President George W. Bush, April 13, 2004:

“As a proud and independent people, Iraqis do not support an indefinite occupation and neither does America.”

then-U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, August 14, 2005:

“We do not seek permanent military bases in Iraq. Our goal is to help Iraq stand on its own feet, to be able to look after its own security, and to do what we can to help achieve that goal.”

Condoleezza Rice, April 4, 2006, quoted by Agence France-Presse (Via Nexis):

Rice would not say when all U.S. forces would return home and did not directly answer Rep. Steven Rothman, a Democrat, when he asked, “Will the bases be permanent or not?”

“I would think that people would tell you, `We’re not seeking permanent bases really pretty much anywhere in the world these days.’ We are, in fact, in the process of removing base structure from a lot of places,” Rice replied.

Tony Snow, June 15, 2006:

Q Would you like to reaffirm what you said earlier today, that the U.S. wants no permanent bases in Iraq?

MR. SNOW: Well, I think — let me — because — can you define what a permanent base is?

Q No, I can’t.

MR. SNOW: Well, then how can I get a question —

Q Except into infinity — no, no, no, you’re dancing around already.

MR. SNOW: No, I’m not dancing around. I’m actually trying to get a specific question answered.

Q Okay, say flatly, does the United States want bases in Iraq?

MR. SNOW: It has bases in Iraq, and the United States will have bases — look, the United States, Secretary Rice has said — well, number one, it’s premature to talk about how long they’re going to be there. Number two, Ambassador Khalilzad has said we have no desire for permanent bases. Number three, when it comes to a permanent base, that is not the call of the United States. As you know, Iraq has a sovereign government. So the issue of —

Q It’s about as sovereign as the President being able to go into Iraq and not even tell the President.

MR. SNOW: Okay, well, obviously, Helen, you’re preaching and not asking. Let’s go to you.