[Lothar5150]

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

Try that on the 9/11 families. I can't believe you're so hollow, so I'll forget the comments.

If the building is being used as a military headquarters, it is no longer a hospital. On 9/11, the civilians instead of the world trade centers were the targets. Don't attempt to make a moral equivalence.

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

The magic words are democracy and freedom, I guess. This explains Chalabi.

Freedom and democracy are the magic words. However, you don’t have to allow foreign-born people participate in your system. I have only read a little on the problems in the Ivory Coast and to me it sounds like the rebels in the north want to have foreign-born citizens to have the right to run for president. US laws don’t permit this and I personally think it is a good practice.

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

You should anticipate news events as the debate proceeds. Otherwise I'll keep lining you up against them: U.S. forces battle way into Fallujah; Sunni clerics urge boycott of elections
"The move against Fallujah prompted influential Sunni Muslim clerics to call for a boycott of national elections set for January. A widespread boycott among Sunnis could wreck the legitimacy of the elections, seen as vital in Iraq's move to democracy. U.S. commanders have said the Fallujah invasion is the centrepiece of an attempt to secure insurgent-held areas so voting can be held. "
One could spin this cause-and-effect 180 degrees, and perpetuate the luxury of blaming dark forces for Iraq's troubles, but that won't help.

For over three months the Iraqi interim government has negotiated to bring the Sunni's in Falujah into the peaceful political process. The only obligation of a democratic election is to provide an opportunity to vote and participate. Individuals may chose not to participate, but that does not make the process illegitimate.

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

How's that? They tolerated foreign journalists. Better kill just the journalists then. Wouldn't you rather shoot dead a few disobedient CBS cameramen than demolish an entire hospital of Iraqis? Surely this could have been arranged.

WTF are you smoking

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

Both hospitals destroyed were taken out early and at long range. Missiles/bombs. But sure if snipers were in there this would be a problem eventually. Why do Fallujans think they need to defend their hospitals?

I'm sure one of our predators spotted the insurgents building deliberate defensive positions at the hospital. The fact that we used missiles instead of JDAMs suggests there were anti-aircraft guns on the roof. I'm sure the camera footage will show up soon. Look this is an old propaganda trick. Shift the use of a hospital to military use and then call us bad guys when we take it out.

Originally Posted by Kobuchi

Personally, I'd be happier with an insular, benign, straight-talking dictatorship to the south. One that didn't feel compelled to pull stunts impressing voters, and excusing itself to the world for a fresh start every four or eight years. I feel this would fit the American character better. Perhaps your leader could have minor changes of mood over the years.

Well you got a straight-talking Republic to the south, full of people who don’t bow or scrape to a queen, king or dictator…We are free people down here, I guess you will have to suck it up.