[gmat]

Originally posted by bigben2k
if the ME is "more stable" and more "democratic", then the price of this oil would drop,

Oddly enough, all market analysts and traders seem to think the contrary. Go figure. It seems they're not confident in the US for "stabilizing the Middle East".
Don't you see an Islamic revolution or at least, an unprecedented wave of terrorism coming ?

Originally posted by bigben2k

So the problem is that Saddam is using oil profits to wage war on neighbouring countries (Kuwait) and funds terrorism.

It's outdated information. Waging war on koweit: that was following the war against Iran, and he used weapons that WE (as in "we the westerners") provided him. And it was in 90. Not now. As for funding terrorism, it has been proved it was totally wrong, even Blair had to present public excuses to his government for such a lie.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is a major source of funds for international terrorism...

Originally posted by bigben2k

He is an immediate threat not only to the US, but to the rest of the world as well.

That statement has no ground. On which evidence do you base it ? (that's the question the UN representatives ask to the USA btw - with no answer)

Originally posted by bigben2k

the UN is not in a position to either: fix all of the problems with Iraq

But no one is apart from the Iraqi themselves. Remember "the right of people to dispose of themselves".
If the UN (should be the highest authority) cannot, then the USA or any other country for instace, cannot as well.

Originally posted by bigben2k

to instaure a temporary government made up of representatives from various countries.

So far from letting the Iraqi decide of their own destiny...

Originally posted by bigben2k

they've opted to do nothing and suffer.

It's far from the truth. Did you speak to a real cuban lately ?

Originally posted by bigben2k

I don't believe that the UN has it as a mandate to promote democracy.

Oddly, founders of the UN and most of its voting members seem to believe the opposite.

Originally posted by bigben2k

I do believe that the US has promoted democracy through its "contributions" to third world countries

Sadly such a behaviour is an infinitesimal part of the *real* US contribution to the 3W. This part is what's shown on CNN.
The real thing is in the USA archives. As they're opened 30 to 50 years later we're rather up to date with the 60's and a part of 70's. The "contributions" were merely cold war tactics, a war of influence. The Russians did the same on their side. Heck even today the French do the same in Africa. Arming factions, changing regimes "from the inside", corrupting leaders, everything was (and still is) good. I won't go into details as it would flood this forum. Simply "we" (as in "'civilized' western countries") never "help" 3W countries without some kind of financial / power / strategic interest. Never.