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Originally Posted by Kobuchi
Squirm.
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Yeah… Right
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Originally Posted by Kobuchi
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
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Where do you think they get their information, who produces ground truth? Think about it.
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Originally Posted by Kobuchi
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 Kobuchi
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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If you fundamentally believe in democracy then you have to support the push for Iraqi Democracy. It really doesn’t matter if you agreed with the war or thought that it violated the UN Charter. The fact is that we are here now and democracy is what is on the table.
So far as the issue of sovereignty. Of course you should take that position after all sovereignty is the divine right of one single individual by your system of government. However, in the United States we fundamentally believe that the sovereignty of a nation is derived from the will of the Majority and the consent of the minority. In other words the governed are the wellspring of sovereignty. Therefore, any government, which is not elected, is not sovereignty by our fundamental philosophy.
Just take a look at our countries respective military oaths. You swear alliance to a single person who by decree has the divine right to rule you. Take my oath to a defend a piece of paper by which my republic is formed. Note that I’m not even obligated to swear alliance to the United States as a Country or to the Presidential Office, Only to the Constitution. I think that this speaks volumes as to our fundamental view of the relationship of the government and the governed.
United States
I, _____ , having been appointed an officer in the _______ of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
Canada
I, _________, do swear (solemnly declare) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors according to law. SO HELP ME GOD (delete if declaration)
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Originally Posted by Kobuchi
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.
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How so…I fail to see how Iraqis economic prosperity will lead to the downfall of America. I suppose like the Japanese and German economies lead us to economic ruin.
I know you have never been to Iraq, but let me inform you that they have more to offer economically than just oil. In fact, there economy has the potential to mirror my home state of California in its diversity.
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Originally Posted by Kobuchi
If something like the Saudis gain power in Iraq I'll say mission accomplished.
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No mission accomplished is when Iraqis have elected their own government written a constitution and take full responsibility for their own security.