War In Iraq, Doom or Boom?

I live in New York, have closer connections to 9/11 than some, less than others, but I was/am affected by that day. Like most Americans, I was in favor of going into Afghanistan, supported the war, supported the troops, and believe Bush pulled us out before the job was done.

Iraq...never supported our entrance into the war, on my own before we ever entered that war had cause to believe we were being lied to. Do I think we have to finish the job there....YES. So, the question is, who should be in charge of finishing that job...Rumsfeld....NO WAY. Short of impeachment we are stuck with Bush for two more years, but we can effect change in the Pentagon, but not with the Republicans in charge.

The Taliban, although having been helped to power in Afghanistan by bin Laden and company, expressed willingness to turn him over to the Saudis, prior to 911 for a price that the US was unwilling to pay. (end of sanctions against them by US)
Iraq probably would have liked to have him. He had offered to lead his army (al-Qaeda) against Hussein before the first Gulf War after Iraq had invaded Kuwait. There was bitter hatred between the two men. (perhaps due to rivalry to be big chief of all Arab Muslims).

We went into Iraq to topple Hussein from power. Did that. Mission Accomplished. We have a great and brave and effective military. But then we tried to give them an impossible job of policemen over people who did not speak the same language or have the same customs. When we leave, those whom we have trained to be a multi-cultural police force, will return to the separate loyalties they held before we came. (Sunni, Shia, Kurd) And they will use the tools and training we have given them against each other. It does not matter if that is sooner or later.

There is a guy on animal planet who trains dogs, cats and birds to live peacefully together. We need to lend him to Iraq.

~~ Wringing of hands and sweating of brows, but does it help the cause? Nope, not one little bit. ~~


It helps the stock portfolio's worth for lots of rich folks. If this keeps up soon they'll fall over from the weight of their heavy money belts. But they'll laugh all the way to the bank.


NONE DARE CALL IT TREASON!

There is no connection between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. Never was - never will be. Hussein did not even like Osama. This is all detailed in Richard Clarke's book. Read up on it and you will learn that Iraq has little to do with the terrorists who attacked us and much to do with creating future terrorists.

Honestly I have never seen the country so polarized. Personally, I think we made a huge mistake going into Iraq. However, having two sides to this in our own country is making matters worse. It is quite clear that the situation in the middle-east right now is a mess. Bush DID make a mistake and he NEEDS to take responsibilty for it. Therefore, we should all work together and agree that we need to pull out of Iraq asap.

R.E. -

That's the first time I've seen you push forth a somewhat thoughtful and reasoned response that was more than just "I hate W". But of course it had its venom too, which was fully expected.
You've always been a strong and loyal voice for the Hippie vote, and you delivered this time too.

Barbara B. -

Good job on the article - although it was short, definitely conveyed what a lot of people feel. You're right, our miltary fought for the right cause.

Luckky -

You know finance..........this class warfare nonsense you're pushing is ridiculous.
78% of households hold stock in this country. This rich vs. poor stuff is as stinky as warm 5 day old cheese.

None dare call it treason?
Some call it treason, Luckky - but at least you weren't under oath in front of a Grand Jury when you said it.

Bret, I am proud of our military and will defend them to my dying day. We were talking the other day about the troops who came home after we shagged out of Viet Nam, which I was for by the way. The media who covered the war over there, put out all kinds of garbage about how our boys in uniform were lighting up joints, using all kinds of drugs, and that is why we were losing the war. So, what did our wonderful citizens do? They spit on them when they came home. How's that for a welcome home? Ever since that time, the media has been biased, to a fault I might add. The media will blow up any and every story it can get it's hands on for the sake of getting ratings. Again, the media is responsible for our nation being so divided on these issues. I wish people would just take a step back, look at the BIG picture and then make a stand on the issues. Too many people are too quick to jump when the media says to jump. It's just a shame, but it's our freedom and right to do that. The blood spilled over all the wars we've been in have given them that right. Also, I am thrilled the stock market is doing well. Businesses do well, Americans do well, also.