Article

2008-03-22 Iraq

Iraq withdrawal would hand Al-Qaeda victory: McCain

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Posted by Fred 2008-03-22 00:00|| || Front Page|| [4 views ] Top
File under: al-Qaeda in Iraq

#1 I read my crystal ball differently regarding a premature withdrawal from Iraq. I don't think it would hand AQ a victory; rather, it would enable a Lebanese-style civil war between AQ, Iran proxies, and 'the rest'. At this point I think AQ would finish third in that race. It would take several overtimes to decide first and second, and most of the neighboring countries would get involved in some way or another. Preventing THAT scenario, with all the impact it would have on global oil supply and economies, is the fundamental reason for the US to stay engaged. The rest of the world is in denial. Only Russia, of all 'civilized' nations, can possibly benefit from anarchy in Iraq - and they benefit only from anarchy, not from any specific winner.

Posted by Glenmore">Glenmore 2008-03-22 08:34|| 2008-03-22 08:34|| Front Page Top

#2 Only Russia, of all 'civilized' nations, can possibly benefit from anarchy in Iraq - and they benefit only from anarchy, not from any specific winner.

I don't know, Glenmore---I kinda like the idea of general MME "civil" war. I mean, short term harm to oil supplies, etc... But long term, curing the "West" of it's dependence on Muzzi oil (letting your deadliest enemies to hold you by the balls ain't smart by any standard).

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2008-03-22 09:23|| 2008-03-22 09:23|| Front Page Top

#3 Implementing a $50 per barrel import fee would be a lot safer and cheaper way to the same end.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-03-22 10:47|| 2008-03-22 10:47|| Front Page Top

#4 Seizing the oil fields and selling it at cost would not only bring the cost down quite a bit, but also make ME oil a stable resource for the future.

However, that will never happen so we must make sure democracy takes root in Iraq and keep up the pressure.

Posted by DarthVader">DarthVader 2008-03-22 12:07|| 2008-03-22 12:07|| Front Page Top

#5 we must make sure democracy takes root in Iraq

Speachless.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2008-03-22 17:49|| 2008-03-22 17:49|| Front Page Top

#6 Not a classic import tariff but a floating tariff that ensures a stable price floor ($40-50/barrel) so that OPEC can't crash the price of oil and drive alternatives (e.g. domestic production, CTL) out of the market.

Posted by ed 2008-03-22 17:56|| 2008-03-22 17:56|| Front Page Top

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