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2008-06-27 Iraq

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2008-06-27 08:02|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 The cure is inculcation of individualism, honesty, and a stubborn attachment to liberty (personal and economic) -- and the defeat of collectivism and tribalism.

Pretty tall order.

But its rpobably the best place to try it in the middle east: By having a multicultural society with decades of secularism behind it, and the potential for economic freedom via the oil (and an "Alaska" style revenue plan), its pretty fertile ground. And as a bonus, Iran and the failure of its theocracy next door show just how bad the alternatives are.

In hindsight, its probably the only place woudl woudl be able to do such a social-reengineering project.

And the biggest bonus is, if it works, Iraq is dead center culturally and geographically for the entire region. It can become a fulcrum for democratic republic movements to use as leverage throughout the region.

Posted by OldSpook 2008-06-27 11:25|| 2008-06-27 11:25|| Front Page Top

#2 Reciprocation

Posted by Bright Pebbles 2008-06-27 12:03|| 2008-06-27 12:03|| Front Page Top

#3 There are layers of intentional deception here. The US Army has long played games with readiness reporting, downplaying it for interesting reasons.

I remember that entire US units in Germany were kept at a 'B' rating, because they didn't have some arcane commo equipment issued to them, and wouldn't have unless war was imminent.

Supposedly the equipment was back in the US, and it is unlikely it could ever make it to Europe in time. But had the mythical equipment been with these units, they would have had high 'A' ratings.

It was comic, because nobody in these units had ever seen it, and would have no idea how to use it. Something they would be a bit too busy to learn if war was imminent, in any event.

But had these units been 'A' rated, Soviet intel would have become quite excited, which they were prone to do anyway.

This being said, I imagine the real readiness of the Iraqi army is a very, very closely guarded secret. And one hell of a lot higher then they let on.

Posted by Anonymoose 2008-06-27 16:54|| 2008-06-27 16:54|| Front Page Top

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