Capitalism Iraqi Style

[peptoabysmal]

Kidnappers prosper in Baghdad

Iraq is turning into a middle east version of the wild west, only now instead of Colt 44's, the gunslingers carry RPG's and AK-47's. The fight isn't between cattlemen and sheepherders, it's between criminal gangs and families.

The options? Pull out and let Iraq establish another ruthless regime? Bring in international forces feared and respected for delivering bags of rice and powdered milk?

Regardless of how this started, we owe it to the Iraqi people to see this through until they can stand on their own, with a viable government.

 

[corplinx]

So much for muslim conviction.

 

[kourama]

I suspect that the Iraqi political situation will end up much like Afghanistan: just stable enough for American oil companies to do business, but fractured enough to keep them dependent on U.S. foreign aid and constantly on the brink of revolution.

 

[peptoabysmal]

So much for muslim conviction.

I really don't believe it has as much to do with muslim conviction as it has to do with the fact that these people are used to Saddam ruling with an iron fist and now it's almost like there is no law at all.

 

[peptoabysmal]

I suspect that the Iraqi political situation will end up much like Afghanistan: just stable enough for American oil companies to do business, but fractured enough to keep them dependent on U.S. foreign aid and constantly on the brink of revolution.

We probably need twice as many troops in Afganistan and Iraq as we have now, to do the job right. We still have about 5000 troops deployed in the Balkans and about 30,000 deployed in South Korea.

 

[Crossbow]

Kidnappers prosper in Baghdad

Iraq is turning into a middle east version of the wild west, only now instead of Colt 44's, the gunslingers carry RPG's and AK-47's. The fight isn't between cattlemen and sheepherders, it's between criminal gangs and families.

The options? Pull out and let Iraq establish another ruthless regime? Bring in international forces feared and respected for delivering bags of rice and powdered milk?

Regardless of how this started, we owe it to the Iraqi people to see this through until they can stand on their own, with a viable government.

So, some of the Iraqis are taking advantage of the power vacuum to settle a few old scores, eh?

For those of you who find this so surprising, then I suggest that you go examine some of the arguments made by the anit-war people prior to the time when the shooting started; it was mentioned, along with several other reasons, that this is the sort of thing that was likely to happen due to all of the pent up hatreds and vast numbers of small arms floating about the country.

It was something I mentioned in my anti-war posts as well.

Go figure!

 

[Leroy]

I suspect that the Iraqi political situation will end up much like Afghanistan: just stable enough for American oil companies to do business, but fractured enough to keep them dependent on U.S. foreign aid and constantly on the brink of revolution.

I've been reading up on the oil situation in Iraq, and it might turn out just as you predict

 

[Skeptic]

I suspect that the Iraqi political situation will end up much like Afghanistan: just stable enough for American oil companies to do business, but fractured enough to keep them dependent on U.S. foreign aid and constantly on the brink of revolution.

You can't have it both ways. If you oppose sending more troops to Iraq or Afghanistan, due to cost or other reasons, you cannot at the same time complain that there is lawlessness because there aren't enough US troops there.

"US out of country X!" and "US causes instability by leaving country X!" are mutually exclusive demands.

 

[peptoabysmal]

Re: Re: Capitalism Iraqi Style

So, some of the Iraqis are taking advantage of the power vacuum to settle a few old scores, eh?

For those of you who find this so surprising, then I suggest that you go examine some of the arguments made by the anit-war people prior to the time when the shooting started; it was mentioned, along with several other reasons, that this is the sort of thing that was likely to happen due to all of the pent up hatreds and vast numbers of small arms floating about the country.

It was something I mentioned in my anti-war posts as well.

Go figure!

I don't find it shocking or surprising. Any war is full of such horrors. It just saddens me that innocents get caught in the crossfire.

Don't forget, we still have Clinton to thank for reducing our military by ~40% to make his "economy" look good on paper.

Bad things would still be happening in Iraq, if we hadn't removed Saddam, we just wouldn't be hearing so much about them.

I'm not pro-war or anti-muslim. I am anti- cruel dictatorships, especially those who are in a position to threaten their neighbors, and against giving in to any terrorist demands.

 

[Crossbow]

Re: Re: Re: Capitalism Iraqi Style

I don't find it shocking or surprising. Any war is full of such horrors. It just saddens me that innocents get caught in the crossfire.

Don't forget, we still have Clinton to thank for reducing our military by ~40% to make his "economy" look good on paper.

Bad things would still be happening in Iraq, if we hadn't removed Saddam, we just wouldn't be hearing so much about them.

I'm not pro-war or anti-muslim. I am anti- cruel dictatorships, especially those who are in a position to threaten their neighbors, and against giving in to any terrorist demands.

Well I am pleased that you are being realistic about Iraq, I do wonder about that 40% military reduction you blame Clinton for; I would appreciate it if you would expand on that point a bit.

Thanks in advance.