Selfish Reasons?

Submitted by Pat (United States), May 4, 2006 at 16:28

Amir,

I never complained that Iraqis weren't grateful and I never intimated that this was a charitable act. Iraq was aligned with the Soviet Union through most of the Cold War. Saddam Hussein was NOT our friend. Just because we had our own reasons for invading Iraq doesn't make it wrong. WMD was the reason that was given and it was no secret. "Freeing Iraqis" was a benefit, not a reason for action. 9/11 appeared to make the threat from Saddam more immediate. So what if we had selfish reasons for going in? Self-preservation is not a sin. Muslims may crave martyrdom. Most Americans don't.

Americans went into Iraq for our own selfish reasons, but Saddam's removal presented an enormous opportunity for the people of Iraq. I just don't understand why Iraqis don't take the ball and run with it. Americans don't want to be there. We don't need the aggravation. I would say to Iraqis: if you want us to leave, we'll leave. Just understand that if we leave, we're never coming back. If you want us to stay, then you have to do your part. We're not a charitable organization and there is no shame in saying as much.

If you want to call people names, have at it. Sticks and stones......

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