The goal in Iraq is not a short term goal. Yes, right now, Iraq is a battle ground for terorrists. The reason they're going there is because they recognize that it's crucial. If the US pulls out of Iraq and leaves it to Zarqawi and friends, then the Islamist extremist movements will have won an enormous victory. If, however, the US remains in Iraq and doesn't back down from its original goals of establishing a functioning democratic government, the terrorists lose bigtime.

If the american people have the ***** to do it, Iraq could turn out to be a model for other middle eastern states. A tolerant, prosperous democracy that respects islamic tradition and culture without stoning people and killing off all dissent. That will be a powerful example for other middle easterners, and it will encourage them not to follow extremists who would rather have them die than learn to dance or see women's hair.

 

I agree with most of what you've said. We can't pullout now cause that would be an even larger disaster. The reason the islamic extremist are going there is that they realize it is crucial AND that they can get into the country very easily because we failed to secure the borders when we took the country over. Then we underestimated the insurgency threat and their resolve. We have a much larger hill to climb because of the poor planning that this administration did pre-war

Also you're dreaming if you think that they are going to be force fed american democracy. When they do vote (if they get the chance) They are going to vote in a religous leader. It will turn out being Iran-North (or whatever direction it happens to be from Iran ) The problem is we cannot install anyone we choose and expect to have some form of legitimacy to it so what will happen will be them choosing someone we don't want and then we step in and it looks even worse to the rest of the world. It is a lose lose situation right now for us and the only way that will change is with a different approach in regards to our allies and their troops.

Just my .02

 

I've got an idea! Why don't we just make EVERY country in the world be a democracy like us. That would be great. Then they will all look to us to set the example and we will be like everyone's "father." We'll tell them all what to do and they'll like it ... because if they don't we'll just bomb them.

Cool. But "democracy" doesn't exactly sum up what we should call this new government. How about an "Empire"?! That would be perfect.

We'll force everyone into our way of life even if their religion says to do otherwise.

 

Religious Christian's right's wacky stuff=KKK...and bombing abortion clinics like silver scoob said...and look at the mess in Northern Ireland...and all the gay-bashing that goes on is usually right wing Christians...how about televangelists that steal old people's money...and priests molesting little children...the list is long, and they are as indiscriminant as the Muslim extreamists in terms of killing/abusing kids and elders if it the act meets their goals.