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Originally Posted by Lothar5150
Again, I only mentioned the polls because you sited them.
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Squirm.
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Originally Posted by Lothar5150
I have a wealth of firsthand experience. In fact, this experience makes my opinion an expert opinion... had tea with local Sheiks, Former/Current Iraqi Generals, doctors, small merchants and simple farmers. I personally don’t need the polls because I have had in depth discussions with Iraqis regarding our occupation. I personally don’t need the polls because I have had in depth discussions with Iraqis regarding our occupation.
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Then you're better qualified than the guys in Langley, Virginia, better qualified than Powell or now Rice who did not
have tea with Sheiks and simple peasants alike.
They rely on surveys and second-hand intelligence, so they should heed your words and keep their mouths shut.
For you a hearty, Arab, upward jerk of the thumb, Lothar5150. Maybe a little twisting action too.
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Originally Posted by Lothar5150
Once the actually get to vote in January the Iraqi perception of their world will change.
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It was to change when Saddam was taken out. It was to change when all the Ba'athists - right down to every Ba'athist state employed kindergarten teacher and army grunt - were kicked out on the streets. It was to change when people no longer feared Saddam might somehow come back out of hiding. It was to change once the "headquarters of resistance" (Fallujah) was turned into a smoldering ghost town. Tell me what happened to the resistance after each of those events.
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Originally Posted by Lothar5150
do you fundamentally believe in democracy
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Yes. However, I support a unified, secular Iraqi nation that does not call itself "Arab" for the same reason Canada does not call itself "English". For that reason I'm opposed to destabilisation operations in Sunni areas in preparation for elections. Also, I place higher value on the basic right to state sovereignty than democracy within the state, in accordance with the UN Charter. This is one reason I'm opposed to invasion under the banner of democracy.
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Originally Posted by Lothar5150
what will you say after the elections in January?
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If an Iraqi regime arises which is not both corrupt and absolutely dependent on the US for its survival, and may use Iraq's oil wealth as best profits the people of Iraq, then I'll say you've lost big time, Lothar5150. This would destroy your dollars faster than anyone can dump them. I think your government would rather slaughter millions than betray American interests so.
If something like the Saudis gain power in Iraq I'll say mission accomplished.