One of the most disturbing articles I have read about Iraq.

[FactsOfLife]

UN oversight of a pan-Arab, multi ethnic peacekeeping force numbering around 250,000 for six months. US air support, SF advisors, and command.

/kthxbye

wouldn't work.

UN can't even handle Darfur let alone a real warzone.

[WillyB]

I did my senior thesis on "The Use of the Stinger Missile System in the Soviet-Afghan War". From this ridiculously long paper that I wrote I found it absolutely dumbfounding that at the end of the Soviet-Afghan War the Soviets pleaded with the United States to not turn Afghanistan over to a democracy until a system that was in all the citizens of Afghanistan's best interests was in place. The United States flatly refused because the Soviet Union was Communist and obviously not in a position of telling a nation that had just forced them out how to run themselves. Instead the United States allowed the Afghanis to build their own government and within five years the Taliban was in power.

What does this all have to do with Iraq? The way I see it, and this article has proved it even more, if we were to pull out of Iraq post haste the country would immediately fall into the hands of the insurgents and would have a serious effect on the Middle East, as well as all the countries that depend on Middle East oil. We must learn from our previous mistake in Afghanistan and be sure that a government is in place that is beneficial to all the different groups in Iraq. But, we must also realize that maybe democracy is not suited to the Middle Eastern mindset. The Middle East does not have the same "background" as the majority of democracies in the world. While this may be a minor issue, it does play a big part in the formation of a democratic government.

So, what do we do? In my opinion, we have to stay there and see this thing to its finale. We cannot leave overnight (or within the next few years), for if we do, we (or a conglomerate of nations) will have to invade again and do it all over.

[warbeak2099]

I wish we could pull out, but we already screwed up and got Iraq pregnant from the last time. Best suck it up and stick arround to make sure that kid grows up right I suppose.

War sucks.
I miss my paintball buddies.

QFT. Pulling out would simply put everyone in the world in danger because of our collosal mistake. That would be even more irresponsible than what we've already done.

Although, I must add another viewpoint to the discussion. What if the insurgents were simply putting out this manifesto in order to make us stay. Maybe they've got something cooking and for some reason want US forces to remain in the country. Just saying...

[FactsOfLife]

I did my senior thesis on "The Use of the Stinger Missile System in the Soviet-Afghan War". From this ridiculously long paper that I wrote I found it absolutely dumbfounding that at the end of the Soviet-Afghan War the Soviets pleaded with the United States to not turn Afghanistan over to a democracy until a system that was in all the citizens of Afghanistan's best interests was in place. The United States flatly refused because the Soviet Union was Communist and obviously not in a position of telling a nation that had just forced them out how to run themselves. Instead the United States allowed the Afghanis to build their own government and within five years the Taliban was in power.

What does this all have to do with Iraq? The way I see it, and this article has proved it even more, if we were to pull out of Iraq post haste the country would immediately fall into the hands of the insurgents and would have a serious effect on the Middle East, as well as all the countries that depend on Middle East oil. We must learn from our previous mistake in Afghanistan and be sure that a government is in place that is beneficial to all the different groups in Iraq. But, we must also realize that maybe democracy is not suited to the Middle Eastern mindset. The Middle East does not have the same "background" as the majority of democracies in the world. While this may be a minor issue, it does play a big part in the formation of a democratic government.

So, what do we do? In my opinion, we have to stay there and see this thing to its finale. We cannot leave overnight (or within the next few years), for if we do, we (or a conglomerate of nations) will have to invade again and do it all over.

Have you read "Charlie Wilson's War"?

[AirAssault]

I fail to see the problem with that.

So what if someone decides your families life isn't worth anything and decides to kill them? Still have a problem with it? You truely are a pathetic human being.

[kruger]

Just a point of fact: We still have troops in Germany.

Just thought that I would throw that in.

And I am all for securing our borders. But, if we do try that, then the Liberals will be screaming that we are trampling on some immigrants rights, and to hell with Americans' rights.

I also agree that there is not much that America can do in that part of the world. Yes, they have been fighting since before Jesus was walkin' around. Religion has killed more people than anything else, PERIOD. But, we can try to introduce a stable democratic government in that area. Democracy, if allowed to flourish and grow works every time.

[koleah]

So what if someone decides your families life isn't worth anything and decides to kill them? Still have a problem with it? You truely are a pathetic human being.

And this is why we're not supposed to discuss politics here.

Someone makes a joke (I'm assuming thats what the smiley was for), someone else misinterprets it, and the mud goes flying...






Then the ban-stick gets pulled out.

[AirAssault]

And this is why we're not supposed to discuss politics here.

Someone makes a joke (I'm assuming thats what the smiley was for), someone else misinterprets it, and the mud goes flying...






Then the ban-stick gets pulled out.

Not a joke, not funny if it was. Sad to say many Americans feel this way, it is a shame. IF it was an attempt at humor, then I withdrawl the comment. I don't know the guy from Adam, but if he really feels that way...... Sad.

[WillyB]

Have you read "Charlie Wilson's War"?

I came across it during my research, but didn't pick it up. I'll have to look into it now...

[SCpoloRicker]

wouldn't work.

UN can't even handle Darfur let alone a real warzone.

I may not have been clear. I'm suggesting a peace-keeping force comprised of Pakistani, Malaysian, Saudi, Kuwaiti, heck let the Syrians and Iranians pitch in.

[FactsOfLife]

So what if someone decides your families life isn't worth anything and decides to kill them? Still have a problem with it? You truely are a pathetic human being.

huh, I thought that had already happened on 9-11.


welcome to ignore pukestick.

[FactsOfLife]

I may not have been clear. I'm suggesting a peace-keeping force comprised of Pakistani, Malaysian, Saudi, Kuwaiti, heck let the Syrians and Iranians pitch in.

I'd like to think that the UN would begin to pull it's weight in situations like this.

Past experience says it won't happen. It's way too corrupt and self serving to be of much use I think.

[BeaverEater]

The force the UN uses to keep the peace effectively is usually US troops anyways, so whats the point of turning it over to the UN peacekeepers. We would still be there anyways but our hands would be tied even more.

[IronCore]

We should divide iraq into 4 new countries then support, settle and supervise the easternmost country

[Beemer]

And this is why we're not supposed to discuss politics here.

Someone makes a joke (I'm assuming thats what the smiley was for), someone else misinterprets it, and the mud goes flying...

Then the ban-stick gets pulled out.

You think? It says avoid. They never work even with a warning. Prove me wrong.

To anyone else.
Show some respect for the OP and be civil or dont post. Nobody likes to have there thread locked or post removed or be banned.