In 1991 we had a giant field army in direct possession of Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti oil fields. We have military agreements with most of the Gulf states to defend them in case of attack. We maintain huge bases and fleets in the area to enable us to do this, which we have done since World War II. Why do we spend billions of our treasure to protect a few sparsely-populated desert sand boxes? To control the oil, amigo.
Do you seriously think that Iran can apply more fear and force than we've been able to? Even if they could manage to take Iraq with their antiquated army in the face of American airpower, they couldn't hold it any more than we could. The Saudis and other Gulf States have already stated that they would help arm Iraq against the Iranians if the US left. History suggests otherwise. Both countries are extremely nationalistic and conflicts between Persia (Iran) and Mesopotamia (Iraq) have been going on for 3 or 4 millenia. They last fought a 10-year war ending in 1990, neither side could win and Iran lost a million troops.
I didn't say it would be quick, easy, or flawless. There are more than just extremists in these countries. Palestinians and Egyptians may still hate us, but that hate has been fueled by an unnecessary and expensive foray into Iraq. It takes time to change hearts and minds. It's even harder when the US is fighting a war mostly unilaterally against an Islamic foe. It's possible people will always hate us for their own reasons, ignorant or not. That doesn't mean that we can kill them and kill the hate.
What, eradicate a race? Not by going into a war unilaterally and half-cocked. You do agree the war was a mistake and I agree that we can't just drop it, or at least we shouldn't. I'm not so sure Iraq is better off. There is freedom, which is good, but there is also social disorder and a lot of death. We have to figure some solution and not leave Iraq to simply fend for themselves. I personally think we need to ask the Muslim world for help and admit our mistake. It is what is best for the people of Iraq. We may lose a strategic base of operations in the middle east and it may cost us in oil money, but I think settling things down in Iraq will help make oil more stable and not cost us in terms of military operations and US soldiers' lives.
Iraq is not a strategic base of operations. We have other strategic bases in the Gulf and have had them for decades. Our forces there are tied down and not ready for any strategic action.
You suggested ethnic cleansing not I. Time will tell, I understand Bush and generals have screwed things up. Relying on muslims and others to help us out would be a mistake I believe. It was also a mistake to invade in the first place even though we found out about the corruption in the UN and the French illegal shipments of weapons.
Right, it isn't, but I'm sure it is (or was) hoped that Iraq would be US friendly (host bases) in the future.
I thought you were cool with destroying all Muslim nations. Why? Sorry if I sound belligerent, you are a civil poster for the most part. Just trying to get to the point.
