| As part of a long-term security agreement with Iraq, US forces could be stationed in Kurdistan. The Iraqi government and the head of northern Iraq's regional Kurdish administration, Massoud Barzani, have suggested to military officials that US forces be permanently based in Kurdistan. Mr Barzani has said a permanent US military presence in the Kurdistan region would defend Iraq from internal and external risks. On hearing the request, US Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama said it would be appropriate to redeploy US troops there in the future. Mr Obama is known to believe troops stationed in the Kurdistan area are not in any great danger. There are currently no US airbases in Kurdistan, although there are two Air Force facilities in neighbouring provinces. The US military has denied any intention of building a US air base, but Kurdish sources have said if the US military decides to establish a permanent presence it will be closer to the Iraqi-Iranian border. |