I honestly believe there is no solution. No matter what we do to end terrorism it will always exist. I personally think we should change our foreign policy. We should stop interfering in countries with known terrorist activity and definitely stop backing military actions and taking sides in said countries. The whole Middle East is too much of a mess for us to waste our time, resources, and lives on. No matter how much we interfere nothing changes but the US doesn't seem to realize that. I feel that most of our dabbling in the Middle East is for economic reasons and personal interest that are beyond what the media reports.

 

still watching the show, think I need a bigger tub-o-corn though

 

I've decided to sit this one out as well, but sitting on the couch and enjoying the discussion. Keep poopin that corn Mike.

 

Of course I don't mean stop monitoring the Middle East, as we should monitor every area of the globe. I just don't think we should play an active roll.

 

To everyone watching...grab another coke and tub of popcorn, this is going to be a long post.

First off, I think that overall that what "we" (the US military) are doing is a good cause.

But, the way the initial assault on Iraq was spun to the populous was inaccurate. I do believe that Saddam did have WMD's at his disposal but, with the many years of botched inspections by US and UN officials he had plenty of time to move these weapons to other countries. There have been reports that show ties to other Muslim fanatical countries that have received these weapons (that is according to Republican news i.e. Fox News). This news station has also showed ties between Saddam's Baath Party to Al-Quida; this has been shown through monetary donations, combined arms training, and "I give you my support". On the other side, we have provided Saddam with conventional weapons, we have also supplied Afghanistan with the same (refer the old phrase, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend - Afghanistan vs. Russia, Iraq vs. Iran).

As far as the war (yes it is a war, it's more than a civil war and conflict; no matter what the politicians want to call it) in Iraq; I think Saddam should have been dealt with during Operation Desert Storm. "We" had him in literally in our crosshairs and someone should have given the command; "Fire, fire, fire" but, at that time the killing of a head of state was illegal (this has since been changed so that if there is a perceived threat to the US, we can eliminate the threat).

Now that "we" are tied indefinitely to a cause that some perceive un-needed and illegal; we should finish it. I have personally walked the streets of Iraq and have talked to the people there. The vast majority are appreciative of the US being there. I say this because I have talked with people from Tikrit (Saddam's home town, to Karabala - one of the holiest cities next to Mecca). They may not always like the way we deal with a situation (i.e. kicking down doors and using brute force instead of talking to city/tribe elders) they have seen the way we have do things and are willing to change so as to help us, help them. They have realized that by reporting the people that attack our troops, they are better off themselves. The people do not have to deal with stray bullets, mortars, or IED's on public roads.

Rant: Yes, I know that some service-people (have to be PC) have been "bad-apples" but, "we" are doing a good job. The stories that the major media channels (Democrats) like to air are all based on blood, gore, and wrong-doings. I agree that some of these things need to be brought to light; murders, rapes, ect (By the way, one soldier was sentenced to 100 years in prison for these offences - I think he should have gotten the death penalty but, that is another discussion all together). But, there are lots of good things that are not reported; opening schools, bringing power grids back on-line (some of these were not even on-line during Saddam's reign), and recruitment and standing-up of Iraqi Police and Army units.

So, to para-phrase I think we should be there not only to show that "we" (US as a whole) have the will to see an operation finished but, also because the Iraqi people are better off and want / need us there.

DISCLAIMER: I have had lots to drink tonight and this is not the necessarily the opinion of the US Military.

 

BB...If I may quote you,"The U.S. can not combat against such a determined foe." What a statement.You sir,are beaten.In that one short sentence,which is traitorous in wartime by the way,you have told the world,and especially the Muslim extremists,that they are succesful in their goal.You have been defeated,whipped,and owned by them.The best you can hope for now is to hide and hope that the next 9/11 does not happen in Chicago.But it will...eventually,if all of the people in this country felt like you.And I am through with you and this idiotic discussion.Have a nice life...for a while

 

no comment, I respect the people that sreve tho!

 

The point is that there will always be people that will wish ill will against the U.S. and it people including some of its own people. Have we forgot about the Oklahoma City bombing!?

 

A little too late to take this position......

Post #19 of this thread made on 2/24........

Sounds as if you believe we shouldn't be there.

Now, making a popcorn run, anyone need anything from the lobby?