U.S. Planning Troop Buildup in Gulf After Exit From Iraq

U. S. forces will check out of Iraq later this year, but don't think for a minute that this is a downsize in military presence in the region.

It is already clear that many military contractors will remain in Iraq. Now comes word from NYT that the Obama administration plans to bolster the American military presence in the Persian Gulf after it withdraws the remaining troops from Iraq this year, according to officials and diplomats. That repositioning could include new combat forces in Kuwait able to respond to a collapse of security in Iraq or a military confrontation with Iran.

In addition to negotiations over maintaining a ground combat presence in Kuwait, the United States is considering sending more naval warships through international waters in the region.