Conflict in Iraq

“I wish every person who emails me supporting the war, safe behind their computer, secure in their narrow mind and fixed views, could actually come and experience the war live. I wish they could spend just 24 hours in Baghdad today and hear Mark Kimmett talk about the death of 700 “insurgents” like it was a proud day for Americans everywhere…”

America’s presence in Iraq is not reflective of all Americans, as River well understands and is open enough to explain. Thanks for that.

War is never, never good - on any ground.

When the rich make war
it’s the poor that die - Jean-Paul Sartre

Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind - John F. Kennedy

I prefer the most unjust peace to the most righteous war - Cicero

There never was a good war, or a bad peace - Benjamin Franklin

War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it - Deciderius Erasmus

In war both the victor and the victim loses.

Its hard to see any winners in Iraq right now, thousands of Iraqis and close to 700 hundred US dead.
George Bush and Tony Blair were on tv today saying they’re staying the course, but I’m not sure what the end result is supposed to be.

Iraq is divided ethnically, tribally and religiously and I don’t think we can impose democracy on them unless they really want it.

More Iraq reports:

http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-2-95-1843.jsp#CENTCOM

Iraq before the war: Ruled by dictator, no WMD, no real way to attack US, not a base for Al Queda (Saddam would be too concerned with holding onto power to let large groups of foriengers set up in Iraq.

Iraq now: Civil war could be likely after US pulls out, with Sunni, Shiite, Kurds and other trying to grab land and power. Great new location for Al Queda, great place for them to get new recruits, side with local warlords, attack Isreal and after the US pulls out it won’t likely want to go back and route out Al Queda.

There is more division than unity in Iraq. It was formed without regard to the people living in the area - thus the focus is on the parts rather than the whole.

Democracy is not necessarily the answer for this country. A benevolent dictator *might* be able to accomplish something, but until the citizens decide to accommodate one another, there will be internal strife.

And the U.S. is naive to think it will accomplish what hasn’t been accomplished since Iraq became Iraq.

The real deal was all about one thing to American puppet governmen….OIL OIL OIL….AND NOW ITS BACKFIRED….They will lose all they gain trying to sort the place out…MUGS OH DEAR OH DEAR….WHAT A MESS THAY HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INTO…