Civil War in Iraq

Submitted by D Weil (United States), Feb 28, 2006 at 17:36

The Bush II Doctrine has placed the United States in the most dangerous position since the start of World War II. It supplanted the Bush I Doctrine without valid explanation. Everyday proves that Bush I and his advisers were correct in not going to Baghdad, not ousting Sadaam Hussein, not providing a base for sectarian violence and not destabilizing Iraq and the Middle East. The Bush II Doctrine has resulted in fertile fields for Islamists and Al Qaeda to operate. The success of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hamas in Palestine are the tip of an incredible upheaval that is just beginning. And, frankly, America has no where to go. The only winners to date are Iran, Syria and the virulent Anti-Americans. Meanwhile, our traditional allies have tried to distance themselves, and show us no respect.

Pandora's Box has been opened, the genie uncorked, the dark side of the Force released. Maybe Frodo doesn't live.

There are some truths in American foreign policy and one is that we don't like body bags. Losing 2300 soldiers in 3 years is not really a war; losing that number in an hour, day or week is another story - one told in the real wars we fought, and exited as soon as possible - sometimes sooner.

Hussein may well have been Stalinistic, but it is doubtful he ever had that kind of control. Regardless, find out how many Americans today, and folks in other countries, are convinced that he should not have been overthrown, Iraq should not have been invaded.
History need be respected: ousting the Shah, the Czar, the Kings (Charles I, Louis XVI), the Emperor (Haile Selaisse), the dictators (Batista, Mobuto) is not always a solution leading to betterment. If we are not careful, rather than try Hussein people abroad - and maybe even some inside - will wish for his return.

The issue to many is not what happens inside Iraq but rather how Iraq will affect the rest of the region. The fact is that brutal dictatorships encircle the globe - and the United States does not act pre-emptively, except in small places mid-hemisphere like Panama, Grenada, Haiti where outcomes are foreordained.

Most distressing is that no one really seems to have any answers at the moment. We are in a wait-and-see mode. So much for being a super-power.

dan weil

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