[CLUE-Talk] Iraq Stuph

[Dennis J Perkins]

Sean LeBlanc wrote:

>On 04-22 20:04, Joe 'Zonker' Brockmeier wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Speaking of avoiding the core argument, it seems Kevin is pretty eager
>>to sidestep the question: if the justification for going to war with
>>Iraq is that they're a threat, how can we justify it when they've found
>>no weapons of mass destruction, and the Iraqi army fell in less than a
>>month? Where was this threat? 
>>    
>>
>
>What about training terrorists? Is that not a threat?
>
>http://www.tribnet.com/24hour/iraq/story/843118p-5923701c.html
>
>I've expressed my doubts prior to the war about the justification, too.
>However, if nothing else, Bush & co. are looking like political geniuses in
>the aftermath of Baghdad falling - negotiating from a position of strength
>has proven much more effective in our dealings with Syria and North Korea
>since. As Matt said, we have yet to see the end yet, but right now it's
>quite overwhelming how quick the war was, as well as the reaction from
>Iraqis who have been freed. When I set aside all the worries for a moment,
>the Libertarian in me can't help but feel happy for those folks. Some of the
>individual stories are very uplifting, indeed. 
>
>I can't help but wonder if this will be wrapped up as effectively. Getting
>out soon enough to avoid overwhelming cries of imperialism, etc., while
>still having enough time for the right system to be settled on by the Iraqis
>is going to be quite the trick.  
>
>  
>
The war was the easy part.  The hard part will be setting a government 
that does what we want.  The politicians talk about setting up a 
democracy but
when the people don't know what one is, how long will we stay to teach 
them?  Will the Iraqis still be so happy to see there in two years? 
 Will we be asking ourselves why we are there?  Bush's wanting to keep 
the UN out won't look good either.