Terrorists rejoicing over new Iraq plan

Wars cannot be won by bombing alone - whether in Iraq or Afghanistan or if we go after Iran or Syria or North Korea or any other nation. It takes boots on the ground. As as we have learned to our chagrin in Iraq and Afghanistan, it takes a lot of boots on the ground. It cannot be done on the cheap.

We do not have the same size military that we had during World War II or even during the Cold War. And I really don't think that the American people have the stomach to finance a military that is 10,000,000 men strong. Nor do I think that the American people have the stomach to bomb Iran to try to set back its very well scattered nuclear energy program as I don't think we are willing to pay $5-6 for a gallon of gasoline and heating oil. We would have a deep recession, if not a depression, at those prices with unemployment well into the double digits.

As I see it, Iran has the advantage for the forseeable future unless we start producing the oil that the federal government has placed off limits, get serious about producing alternative fuels such as biobutanol, and increase the fuel efficiency of our vehicles. Then in 10-15 years we could have leverage over countries such as Iran.

 

I agree except for the alternative fuels. Perhaps some more hybreds including gas/electric, if plugging in overnight, when demand for electricity is low.

The main focus should be the drilling options, off the left coast, in Alaska and the gulf of Mexico. Interestingly those areas we are forbidden to drill in the gulf are going to be sites for Mexico and Cuba soon.

 

The Iranians aren't going to help us. Remember when the Reagan administration gave them the weapons they wanted from us, in the vain hope that they might return various hostages held by their puppets?

They took the weapons, and then mocked him. And later, those weapons were used against our aircraft in the Persian Gulf. Carter was right not to give in to their demands.

Tribute never works, and you do not approach an enemy to help you out of a mess.

 

Great post!

:thumbs:

 

OK, this is a great revision of history.

 

I don't know. We communicated with the Soviet Union, even during the Reagan presidency.

This is a direct result of President Bush rushing the U.S. into an unnecessary war with the wrong country.

 

NEGATIVE, this war is the direct result of over 70% of our country rushing into war with an evil, murderous dictator. I was one of the few that felt this was not a sustainable action and was against this action.

But, saddam was evil. Your post reads as if you think he was a 'good guy' that should have been left alone.

 

So, how would you communicate with a mad man that murdered hundreds of thousands of civilians (if not million(s) )?

How do you suggest we resolve the problem?

Resolution of the war is what we need now. Our country needs answers to the cowards that have turned a peaceful Iraq into a war zone, not belly aching about what we are for or against politically.

I recommend that we round up all former convicts, all Iraqi sympathizers, and all foreign invaders for a cooling down period of at least 2 years. Iraqi clerics that preach hatred and murder of any kind are to be locked up in solitary confinement for the duration.

 

I did not comment at all about Saddam Hussein. <personal attack deleted - LE>

 

I stated what your post read like to me . . .

<personal attack deleted - LE>

You posting reads to me like you think he was not bad enough to 'need' to be removed.

You have been consistent.

And you have not recommended solutions to the problem.

<personal attack deleted - LE>

 

Note to self, remove freedom of speach from the Iraqi constitution...

 

...............

 

(Barbarian remarks on the causes and effects of Iran/Contra)

Um, nope. The Iranians wanted up to date Hawk missiles and aircraft parts. The Reagan administration wanted our hostages (not embassy hostages, ones held by Iranian-supported terrorists) freed. They tried to make the Iranians like us by selling them weapons. They kept the weapons and sneered at us. Fortunately, when the Hawks were fired at American aircraft in the Persian Gulf, none of them brought down any planes.

It was later discovered that a part of the cash from the unauthorized sale went to the personal use of Oliver North, and the rest was illegally diverted to the Contras.

That was the nadir of American prestige in the world, when the president of the United States had to testify that he couldn't remember if he had authorized selling weapons to our sworn enemies.

And the worst of it is, he was very likely telling the truth.