I have a theory, one that I haven’t seen or heard from others, but that I sort of like. Apologies if this has been discussed before, I haven’t read EVERY Iraq thread, (has anyone?).
My theory is that installing a pro-western, or at least moderate regime in Iraq will allow the US to be less reliant on Saudi Arabia for both oil and political support in the Middle East. Freed from that restraint, the US will begin to push hard for political reforms in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Arab nations. This will in turn lead to decreased animosity directed at the US from the Arab street, as we are seen to be fighting for their rights against the ruling families. Thoughts?
biggest obstacle to your pro-western moderate regime is that the Iraqi people wont stand for it. If you think waging war is expensive, maintaining an occuaptional force is even more so. I dont believe a war in Iraq to get rid of Saddam is going to foster more terrorism. I do believe occupying Iraq will.
Who will head this moderate regime? The Kurds? The Shia’s? The Sunni’s? Or do you think it will be Tommy Franks? The problem is these people hate each other. The US will end up doing the same thing Saddam was doing. Ruling with a firm hand to keep these people in line.
I don’t know who is going to lead it. You want fully formed ideas with details? Come on! Perhaps with a few years of peace under a military occupation the different groups could come to realize that hatred and ethnic violence can only lead to another Saddam like situation and they will bury the hatchet. Too much to hope for?
What I really want to know is this: Does this mean our kids will be buying cars and other high-quality products marked “Made in Iraq”? Didn’t we do enough damage teaching Japan the right way (per our stds) to live? The truth is Japan has beaten us at our game. So, is Iraq next? :dubious: - Jinx
Not for a long time. The Koreans still haven’t made much an inroad in our economy compared to the Japanese (though they are catching up). And we’re only just beginning to see “Made in Vietnam” products showing up, so there’s a long wait before “Made in Iraq” shows up as a common manufacturing site.
Perhaps with a few years of peace under a military occupation the different groups could come to realize that hatred and ethnic violence can only lead to another Saddam like situation and they will bury the hatchet. Too much to hope for?
Ever heard of Yugoslavia?