Wow, let me put my point back into focus here. If we exclude everything we know about Saddam Hussein and his regime of terror, and we tell the world, "Hey! This Saddam guy out in Baghdad is linked with al-Qaeda!! We gonna go git his ass!!" Then that'd be a different story. After 9/11 we realize we have to face threats to our nation differently and more swiftly. If Mexico had a Saddam out there with the same actions, then yes, go get him. As for Canada, who cares?
Turkey should just create a new empire agian. While we are at, America becomes a British Colony, and Indo-China Starts with French.
I'm not good at links, so can someone else please do me a favor and post the White House quote to the effect that the US's national policy includes not tolerating any other nation having anything near equal military strength? Much appreciated.
MacBeth, I just wanted to say that I don't agree with everything you say on this issue, but I agree with a whole lot of what you say. You are making some solid solid points. I think you are representing very well, the fears and concerns of many Canadians. I know you're a duely, but I just want to take advantage of your Canadian half to say to our Americans friends here who are wondering what the world is thinking that what you are saying is, IMO, essentially the dominant Canadian opinion. You are much more eloquent than most in expressing it, and there is indeed a broad spectrum of opinion here, (Ol' Ralphy is going to give Alberta's official support for the war, in fact) but the majority of Canadians would be significantly in agreement with your position, IMO.
But what if people see it as "right is right, and might backs up that right", as I do? It's not just using you're might for the sake of it, but deciding what is right for your country (not the world) and then using your might most effectively to keep that in mind. What do you think the message would be to the rest of the world's wackos if America allowed the UN process to continue indefintely?
All meaningless discussions of justification and such aside (and it really is absolutely meaningless - kinda like arguing whether or not the war is justified after it has already been launched)... It was reported before the war that we had an agreement with the Turks that we would allow them to occupy a 20km (or was it mile? forget) buffer zone inside northern Iraq. It is not unusual for the Turks to be there anyway - they are usually inside northern Iraq during peacetime. If they stay relatively close to the Turk-Iraq border and act only as a buffer there, then this is not a problem. If they start attacking the Kurds (who are very much our allies right now) and/or start driving towards Kirkuk or Mosul, then there will be a very big problem. We will not allow them to do so - they will be prevented from doing so. If they wanted a more active role in this conflict, then they shouldn't have stabbed us in the back (and shot themselves in the foot). Personally, I think it likely that they're just injecting troops to strengthen the buffer. I think it unlikely that they are stupid enough to actively disrupt our war plans while we are in battle. I also get the impression that CENTCOM is not too surprised about this development (like they knew it was coming, and aren't worried about it at all). I'll worry if/when I hear about them advancing towards Mosul/Kirkuk areas.
Just reported on NBC...some interesting notes; The U.S. has asked the Turks to not get involved, but the Turks have responded that they would only be sending in the troops to " Protect themselves, prevent terrorism, and for humanitarian reasons." Hmmm...sounds like the lessons have been learned. They reportedly deny that their long standing emnity with the Kurds in the region would of course not be a factor. In his radio address, GW stated that the war will be much longer and costlier than many are expecting, and that the reconstruction will take a 'sustained' American presence in Iraq. 100 billion of Bush's proposed tax reduction has been cancelled to begin paying the war bill. Not that surprising, but as even the NBC anchor said, receiving surprisingly little press.
Ahhh...I see...well thanks anyways...I actually didn't ask for anyone to say anything like that, but was trying to thank him for suggesting it while not taking it seriously...You feel the need to take a shot at me...ok, fine...ah, the perils of the political life, especially the one you haven't asked for.
Did you feel threatened by my comment? It wasn't a shot at you, just a release of frustration over the endless debate of the same issues over and over and over. I'm all for political discussion and debate over world affairs, but at least find some new material. And that goes for treeman, DaDakota, Sinohero, ewfd, coma, et al. Sorry gys, but I'm a much more short sighted person than most. If it doesn't affect me and my family in a direct way, then it bores me easily. I'm all for the liberation of Iraq, but why does it have to be treated like thw ultimate realty show on TV? Geez, we have enough firepower to overrun 50 Iraqs, why boast and brag about it? If it was me, the war would be a sidenote on page 5 of the paper. Let's put this in a sports related analogy. Would a game between an NBA team and a 12 and under rec league be this news worthy?
I think it's kind of hard to deny that the war in Iraq is the topic of the day, Behad. If you don't think it's newsworthy, fine, whatever floats your boat. I have a hard time understanding why you appear to have a problem with others discussing it, though. It's pretty big news to most of us, after all. If it bores you, then don't click on the war threads.
I'm tired of the constant news coverage with no real news after the initial 5 minutes. This is like the most overexposed yet underreported war coverage ever. Now that CNN is booted out of Baghdad, Americans will even have less presentation on the broad scope of the war.
Have you seen the Hangout forum? Have you seen the TV? Newspaper? Radio? Magazines? Topics among co-workers? Fraking updates during the NCAA tournament? I wish it was as easy as not clicking on a thread. Hell, I'm having a harder time avoiding this than the troops are having in finding resistance. IT'S A DAMN REALITY SHOW! NOT A "NEWS" ITEM ANYMORE! Call me when they have a body.
Welcome to the "Ultimate Reality Show"..... and now for your enjoyment....we present... Bombs Over Bagdad now In Technicolor....
