'Mission accomplished' for U.S. air base in pro-Moscow Kyrgyzstan

[jakeXT]

(Reuters) - A U.S. Air Force base in Kyrgyzstan is packing up for closure after more than 12 years of flying troops and cargo in and out of Afghanistan, as Moscow boosts its military clout in the strategic region.

The Manas Transit Centre in the ex-Soviet nation's main civilian airport has been in operation since the end of 2001, serving the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan codenamed Operation Enduring Freedom.

As Kyrgyzstan seeks closer political ties and economic aid from its ex-Soviet overlord Russia, the national parliament last June gave Washington until July 2014 to close its base.

The logistics hub, employing some 1,200 servicemen, was engaged in aerial refuelling, personnel and cargo airlift, as well in humanitarian programmes with Kyrgyzstan.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/03/06/uk-kyrgyzstan-usa-base-idUKBREA251SN20140306

[korean]

1. Americans should get rid of Cold War thinking.

I don't know why so many Americans still think themselves fighting some great evils that don't even exist.

[bemildred]

2. It pays very well, with good benefits, for them.

That's why. Without a big scary enemy, you don't get the big money.