A Closer Look at Redeployment:

While the future of US military forces in Iraq remains an open question in Washington, one security studies think tank has tackled the tricky question of how a proposed “redeployment” should occur. In a new report from the Center for American Progress, Lawrence Korb, Max Bergmann, Sean Duggan, and Peter Juul argue that an “orderly and safe withdrawal” is best achieved over a 10- to 12-month period. After consulting military planners and logistics experts, the authors claim that a withdrawal that takes place over a number of years would increase the danger to US forces and is not cost-effective from a logistics standpoint. By scheduling equipment drawdowns and troop rotations carefully, the dangers would be minimized and managed effectively. Nor should US forces leave the region entirely, the report adds. To maintain an offensive and deterrent capability in the region the authors posit that about 8,000 to 10,000 troops should be temporarily stationed in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq to help prevent an outbreak of Turkish-Kurd violence and another ground brigade and tactical air wing should be based in nearby Kuwait.