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It aught to be worthwhile to note that the US has literally stayed in Germany, Japan, and South Korea for decades, militarily speaking, after the main conflicts (WWII and the Korean War) ceased to exist.

Of course, none of these countries nor those conflicts are Iraq or the Iraqi War.

But, would it have been in the US's interest to completely remove her forces from those other countries many years ago before friendly governments were able to be established therein?

Why should Iraq be any different today?

Those countries have benefited from our being there by NOT having to fund a fully functioning military of their own to protect their interests. Germans and others fuss when we plan to leave because of the economic impact on THEIR economies when our military is no longer contributing to their incomes.

Now, though, Germany and even France have newly elected governments who are far more friendly to us than before. Time alone will tell if this helps o improve our image in Europe.