Discussion w/ republican arguing in favor of permanent bases in Iraq. [View All]

He's using our bases in Japan as an example saying that, in theory, China could attack Japan and such an attack is infinitely less likely with our bases there, because then they would be attacking the U.S. as well. Putting aside the question of whether or not China is likely to attack, does this argument work with Iraq? I'm so ignorant. Who would we be protecting Iraq from? He says we have bases in all the countries we've fought and won wars in, and a permanent base in Iraq is a non-issue. What say you?

Also, anybody have statistics on crime rates by military personnel in the U.S. against civilians vs. military personnel stationed outside the U.S. against native civilians?

I do not like it when the republican makes a point. I do not like it, Sam I Am. Help me.