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This news is really not a huge shocker, but the particularly disturbing new stat is that a majority of Iraqis now approve of the attacks on our servicemen and women. And that is simply devastating.
Maybe these statistics will help dispell the myth that we are in Iraq because the Iraqis want us there, and that they are grateful for their freedom. We are there to protect our own interests in the region—so that we don’t end up paying 8$ a gallon for gas, and so that Iraq doesn’t become part of the Shiite crescent along with Iran and Syria, which would mean virtual butchery of the Sunnis and Kurds. A “Super-Iran” would also present a greater threat to Israel.
I read the other day that the US is becoming more and more powerless in getting Maliki’s government to go in the direction it wants. Many fear that Iran will eventually have more influence than we will, and that the Iranians will be the ones who will help Maliki bring his country under control. The only power we have over him, is to threaten to bring the troops home. As long as he has other options, (and our presence is eliciting at least some of the violence) why should he give in to any pressure from Bush? We have seen a lot of cracks in the relationship in the last 6 months.
The big story is that the Shi’ites want us out now. The Sunnis have always hated us, but since February 2006, the Shi’ite hate us almost as much. And they’re the majority.
Elrod, yes that is a big change and considering the [relatively] peaceful south Iraq that could mean big problems for the US. Our supply lines from Kuwait would be a tempting target. Operating in Baghdad ends when you have to guard the roadways, not enough troops to do both. My thinking is that the Badr brigade has not yet decided to join in Sadr’s operations [they have had some direct clashes with Sadr]. If they change their relationship with Sadr, or if Iran decides to turn up the heat, watch out.
…nothing? no comments? from anyone? wtf?
Must be a comment drought. Just in case anyone missed this bitingly funny Goldilocks in Iraq cartoon, here’s a link.
Let’s see, 74-91% or Iraquis want us out and 61% think it’s ok to kill American soldiers. Can we leave now?
How are we gonna get them home? As Kerry said in answer to the same question about Vietnam, “on ships, Senator, on ships.”
Maybe these statistics will help dispell the myth that we are in Iraq because the Iraqis want us there, and that they are grateful for their freedom. We are there to protect our own interests in the region—so that we don’t end up paying 8$ a gallon for gas, and so that Iraq doesn’t become part of the Shiite crescent along with Iran and Syria, which would mean virtual butchery of the Sunnis and Kurds. A “Super-Iran” would also present a greater threat to Israel.
I read the other day that the US is becoming more and more powerless in getting Maliki’s government to go in the direction it wants. Many fear that Iran will eventually have more influence than we will, and that the Iranians will be the ones who will help Maliki bring his country under control. The only power we have over him, is to threaten to bring the troops home. As long as he has other options, (and our presence is eliciting at least some of the violence) why should he give in to any pressure from Bush? We have seen a lot of cracks in the relationship in the last 6 months.
The big story is that the Shi’ites want us out now. The Sunnis have always hated us, but since February 2006, the Shi’ite hate us almost as much. And they’re the majority.
Elrod, yes that is a big change and considering the [relatively] peaceful south Iraq that could mean big problems for the US. Our supply lines from Kuwait would be a tempting target. Operating in Baghdad ends when you have to guard the roadways, not enough troops to do both. My thinking is that the Badr brigade has not yet decided to join in Sadr’s operations [they have had some direct clashes with Sadr]. If they change their relationship with Sadr, or if Iran decides to turn up the heat, watch out.