We've been in South Korea for 52 years as the front line between 1 million North Korean troops. What he meant was there will always be an American presence in Iraq trying to make sure it's a beacon in the middle east. I think he's the only canidate that is being realistic and honest on Iraq, even if a democrat wins the white house we will not leave Iraq its too risky. It's also too risky for some to tell the truth when the white house is up for grabs.
There are between 20,000 and 27,000 troops in South korea's demiliterized zone to this day 50 years later.