[PapaBear3625]

After Iraq finally rids itself of ISIS, I wonder if they would be open to allowing us to create an airbase there. Move out of Incirlik and into northern Iraq.

Whatever base we get, will need to be able to be supplied by sea. If we set it up in northern Iraq, we will be subject to the willingness of Iraqis to allow supply convoys free access from the port.

We would be better off either having a base at a port in southern Iraq, or the coast of Syria. Maybe the Greek section of Cyprus (which would give Greece badly-needed cash, while pissing off the Turks).

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Maybe the Greek section of Cyprus"

I don't think southern Iraq helps us in any way. We have Ali Al Salem in Kuwait and Al Udeid in Qattar that covers that portion of theater. I do like your idea of Cyprus. I'm pretty sure that UK has air assets there so there is a base. The question is, how big is it and can it be built up to suit our needs. Might be ideal and Greece is a NATO mainstay. Whatever their economic problems are, they aren't going rogue on us and as you say, it pisses Turkey off and in this day and age they need to be brought down a peg or two. Erdogan thinks he holds all the cards, he doesn't. We have options. I suppose Crete could be another option