Nancy Gallagher

TEHRAN, Dec. 23--An American academician said there is no chance the US will keep its military bases in Iraq for long and it will be forced to talk with Iran as the main regional power.

Nancy Gallagher, head of the Middle East Studies Group at the University of California, Berkeley, made the remark while talking to Fars News Agency\'s overseas reporter.

\"The US invasion of Iraq has caused an abnormal state of insecurity in that country. The main reason for this instability is oil. If Iraq were devoid of oil, it would experience peace and security. Although it would be a poor country, its people would be living in relative happiness and tranquility,\" she said.

Commenting on the Democratic victory in the US November elections and the probability of a policy change toward Iraq, the academician said, \"The Democratic victory will cause certain changes in US policy toward Iraq, but these changes will not be felt immediately. There is no chance that the US will be able to keep its military bases in Iraq for long. At the same time, the Bush administration will not stop its efforts to control Iraq\'s oil.\"

Gallagher believes the occupation of Iraq will end after the 2008 elections.

\"In the future, Iraq will have a Shiite government,\" she declared.