11.   Closing bases is politically unpopular.

12.   Closing military bases has never been popular in Congress, as members are loath to lose the jobs and payrolls of the bases in their districts.

13.   Closing bases, however, represents long-term savings.

14.   Congress established that process to make it easier for bases to be closed.

15.   Congress turned to such a commission to decide which military bases to close.

16.   Current Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has reiterated that the Pentagon should close bases to save money needed for other purposes such as new weapons and better troop housing.

17.   Every year the military begs to close more bases.

18.   Experts disagree as well, though most think it is inevitable that more military bases will be closed.

19.   Glenn also said the fact that the Pentagon announced its intention to close bases lends credibility to the personnel cuts that have been rumored.

20.   However, France is closing military bases and lowering its profile in Africa.