Iraq - The End game

[shaunbhoy]

So, SB, according to you the Iraq War is an astounding success as it has removed Saddam and given the Iraqis some elections to vote in?

No, don't try and put words into my mouth. That is the first sign of a weak argument on your part, and your contentions need no dilution.
In so much as the Iraq War achieved its primary aim of removing Saddam and allowing free elections to occur, it has to be seen as a success in that context however much that might irk the peaceniks on here and elsewhere. However, where it has all gone pete-tong is down to the fact that the primitive bloodthirsty fundamentalist zealots now roaming the land over there seem totally incapable of using this platform to better the lot of the average Iraqi. If we had a crystal ball perhaps we could have foreseen that, but I don't remember any of the anti-brigade putting that forward as a probable outcome. As it is undeniably now the case that the rival factions in Iraq are unwilling and/or unable to come to a peaceful conclusion even with our help and assistance, I suggest we withdraw and leave them to find their own very "Islamic" solution to the internecine bloodshed. One can take a horse to water etc.

[sasguru]

Edited as I spoke too soon re SB not coming back.

[shaunbhoy]

Wrong again SG. I was just revamping my fantasy footy team whilst putting your fanciful ramblings to rest. Do continue, my sides have not yet fully split.

[sasguru]

No, don't try and put words into my mouth. That is the first sign of a weak argument on your part, and your contentions need no dilution.
In so much as the Iraq War achieved its primary aim of removing Saddam and allowing free elections to occur, it has to be seen as a success in that context however much that might irk the peaceniks on here and elsewhere. However, where it has all gone pete-tong is down to the fact that the primitive bloodthirsty fundamentalist zealots now roaming the land over there seem totally incapable of using this platform to better the lot of the average Iraqi. If we had a crystal ball perhaps we could have foreseen that, but I don't remember any of the anti-brigade putting that forward as a probable outcome. As it is undeniably now the case that the rival factions in Iraq are unwilling and/or unable to come to a peaceful conclusion even with our help and assistance, I suggest we withdraw and leave them to find their own very "Islamic" solution to the internecine bloodshed. One can take a horse to water etc.

As I have mentioned earlier the internecine conflict was predictable by anyone with a cursory knowledge of the history of the Sunnis and the Shias.
Why are you trying so hard to claim that the invasion of Iraq was not the mistake it so obviously is and which some of us saw from the start?

[Churchill]

As I have mentioned earlier the internecine conflict was predictable by anyone with a cursory knowledge of the history of the Sunnis and the Shias.
Why are you trying so hard to claim that the invasion of Iraq was not the mistake it so obviously is and which some of us saw from the start?

Because he hasn't got a fecking clue and just enjoys arguing the toss as he's a twat.

[shaunbhoy]

As I have mentioned earlier the internecine conflict was predictable by anyone with a cursory knowledge of the history of the Sunnis and the Shias.

So you admit that the Sunnis and Shias have historically always been at each others' throat then? That being so, how do you manage to leap to the rather strange and distorted conclusion that the violence they are currently meting out towards each other can in any way be attributable to the Western Forces present on the ground? Oh that's right, we removed that happy old neutral figure Saddam who was completely impartial when it came to filling mass graves up.

Why are you trying so hard to claim that the invasion of Iraq was not the mistake it so obviously is and which some of us saw from the start?

The invasion was not the mistake, but the inability of the rival factions within Iraq to peacefully cohabit the place is where the failures lie. Try getting off your high horse and pointing the finger at those who are REALLY responsible for the carnage instead of blubbering on in the same tired predictable old anti-american vein for once. You are becoming rather tedious.

[shaunbhoy]

Because he hasn't got a fecking clue and just enjoys arguing the toss as he's a twat.

Bit of a highbrow response from you churchill. What's happened, your History Tutor worked out your login password?

[Churchill]

Bit of a highbrow response from you churchill. What's happened, your History Tutor worked out your login password?

Oh the wit!

SB, your level of knowledge on geopolitics is almost on a par with your knowledge of contraception. It surely is a pity that you know nothing of either.

[shaunbhoy]

Oh the wit!

SB, your level of knowledge on geopolitics is almost on a par with your knowledge of contraception. It surely is a pity that you know nothing of either.

Whereas your impotence in both areas really leaves you on the high ground eh Churchill?

[sasguru]

So you admit that the Sunnis and Shias have historically always been at each others' throat then? That being so, how do you manage to leap to the rather strange and distorted conclusion that the violence they are currently meting out towards each other can in any way be attributable to the Western Forces present on the ground? Oh that's right, we removed that happy old neutral figure Saddam who was completely impartial when it came to filling mass graves up.




The invasion was not the mistake, but the inability of the rival factions within Iraq to peacefully cohabit the place is where the failures lie. Try getting off your high horse and pointing the finger at those who are REALLY responsible for the carnage instead of blubbering on in the same tired predictable old anti-american vein for once. You are becoming rather tedious.

I am neither anti-American (quite the opposite) nor anti-war in general. It just seems to me that this war was ill-conceived, ill-planned, quite possibly illegal and is as a result, obviously a failure.
To deal with your points: yes, the hardman who deals with warring tribes in a "firm" way is a staple of history - look at Stalin and Tito. If you remove such a "leader" for want of a better word, it's always impossible to contain the fallout.
The invasion was a terrible mistake (as was seen by millions of people in this country when it started) which has left us looking weak and vulnerable.