Article

2003-02-07 Iraq

War to transform Iraq into another Afghanistan

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Posted by Fred Pruitt 2003-02-07 09:01 am|| || Front Page|| [7 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 "Our aim is to make the United Nations aware of its responsibility ... not only to (issue) a decree allowing the use of force against Iraq but to have one that would create a force to maintain Iraqi security but not occupy it."

Sounds like he thinks Chirac is going to cave in before too long. My guess is as soon as he hears the troops have a go-ahead signal, so he can claim not to have been left behind.

And I do hope his offer of four airplanes is turned down. This is the force that voted and turned down a mission in Afhanistan, leaving guess-who to rearrange schedules and cover the hole in the line.

Posted by John Anderson 2003-02-07 10:20:13|| 2003-02-07 10:20:13|| Front Page Top

#2 "...transform Iraq into another Afghanistan with rival ethnic and religious factions fighting for power"
Sure, when the Saudis start meddling. But Iraq isn't fraught with Arab veteran has-beens from the Afghan-Soviet war, and therefore has a good chance to be a prosperous, normal nation.

Although...surely enough, watch for remnants of Al-Qaeda and the other dweebs to stir trouble in the beginning.

Posted by Rw 2003-02-07 11:51:37|| 2003-02-07 11:51:37|| Front Page Top

#3 I think the Qaedas will try to move in, but I think there'll be a greater danger from the Paleos, Iran and the Syrians. Along with the Soddies, they're the ones who're going to be on the front line with a western-style regime in Iraq.

If a new Iraq gets off the ground, the oil wealth available alone should make the whole country prosperous for as long as the kleptocrats can be controlled. If we make no further moves after Iraq, in ten years that contrast itself will kill all three regimes. Iran, remember, used to be a very prosperous country, especially for the Middle East.

Posted by Fred 2003-02-07 12:11:08|| 2003-02-07 12:11:08|| Front Page Top

#4 I don't see what would be so terrible about splitting Iraq into (i) Kurdistan (ii) Iraq (iii) Shiiteistan. Each location would have some of the oil.

Even better would be a confederation along the Swiss model including (iv) Syriastan (v) Jordanistan (vi) West Bankistan (vii) Lebenon.

One big country with enough oil to spread around and enough oil that they feel they have something to lose if they get uppidy and attack Isreal. Also the big country would be a nice democracy because the US will sit on them and force them to accept democracy.

Posted by Yank 2003-02-07 16:56:39|| 2003-02-07 16:56:39|| Front Page Top

#5 I don't see what would be so terrible about splitting Iraq into ... (iii) Shiiteistan.
Except nobody would be able to say "Shiiteistan" at the U.N. without giggling. (Or at the parade of nations at the Olympics)

Posted by Rw 2003-02-07 18:02:29|| 2003-02-07 18:02:29|| Front Page Top

#6 Welcome to the Republic of Holy Shiiteistan!

Posted by john 2003-02-07 19:16:35|| 2003-02-07 19:16:35|| Front Page Top

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