Even if we win, we lose

[voltaire2b]

*Originally posted by Fang *
**And since we’re on the topic, Iranian students don’t seem too upset by the US military action in Iraq.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread. **

The article you cited seemed to present mixed opinions, not a united front:

Some analysts say that if Iraq emerges as a more open, democratic society than Iran, the conservatives will find it hard to suppress dissent or fend off calls for fundamental change to the theocratic system. The potential revival of Shia theological centres in Iraq could also provide an alternative platform for more moderate Islamic clergy in Iran who have called for limits on clerical political authority.

For reformists locked in a power struggle with the conservatives, Washington’s plan for a military administration in Iraq is not a particularly helpful advertisement for western-style democracy. They fear the US-led war could provide a pretext for conservatives to stage a decisive crackdown against all public criticism.

[Elemental]

*Originally posted by Purplefloyd *
**I couldnt agree more with the OP, i think that calling this a war on terrorism is very innacurate. Honestly, who thinks this is going to stop—, no, who thinks this will even SLOW the spread of terrorism? Terrorists dont run countries, they hide away and quietly spread thier own destructive ideas and cannot be defeated by a war. This war is only helping to spread the ideas of anti- americanism and we are hated more now than ever (obviously by more than just Iraqis). If this war really is against terrorism, then i believe we have already lost. Now more than ever people are going to be willing to kill themselves to attack this country. America is attacked, America retaliates (against something that may have a vague connection, but we struck back at something). Many Arabs feel as though this invasion is also an attack on muslims and Arab way of life, and no different from us they will likely retaliate… So a war on terror?.. will likely defeat its purpose. Terror may just be a convenient cover for some other interest IMO. **

Actually, there are no terrorists in Iraq. It’s a war on terrorism in that democracy, freedom, knowledge, and economic prosperity are the best weapons to combat terrorism.

Yes, a war will create more anti-American sentiment. However, I would like to see what people who don’t like the U.S. have to say after the war: “The U.S. is evil for making Iraq into a economically prosperous country where the people have all basic freedoms and there is a surplus of food.” That would be interesting.

[cainxinth]

I think the current debate is summed up nicely here:

War won’t fix Iraq…Yes it will… No it won’t!