The Iraq War
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From the Washingtonpost:
A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred.
If this is proven to be correct, it would be absolutely astounding!! A majority of Americans have now come to the conclusion that this war is a disaster. I am still astounded that Bush was able to fool so many people for so long. However, I still don’t think most Americans understand the terrible suffering that has been imposed on the Iraqi people as a result of this crazy, crazy, decision.
Surely, these epidimiologists would not be biased?
Did they ask the Kurds whether they prefer the American relief food or saddam’s bullets?
Many Americans were OPPOSED to intervention in WW2 since it was primarily a European war.
Was the decision to intervene wrong?
Many changed their opinion AFTER the war & AFTER the Nazi horrors were revealed but no intelligence is 100% accurate.
Among the top whiners were the French. They have not won any war decisively over the past 100 years! Furthermore, during the recent riots, the french-controlled media showed little of the rioting. Well, the mitigating factor is that in most affected areas, you could watch it live as it played outside your balcony!
Its easy to (mis)judge Bush’ actions today but a democratic government with more rights for women, children & minorities (ethnic & religious) will be better in 50 years.
Look at Kenya as an example. kenyatta & moi were despots who though constrained in their use of violence were BAD for Kenya. I recall Smith Hempstone (US ambassador) who was a thorn in moi’s side.
The French couldn’t care. The “Turkwell Gorge” was a french deal. They bribe with impunity. There are no laws that punish french firms (unlike the US) from bribing to “earn” deals!
The Brits. No overt action for too many years.
The Chinese. They “built” the Kasarani stadium with “imported” Chinese labour! They recently got “free” oil exploration licences. Will they bankroll kibaki?
Considering all the criticism over Iraq, the USA is reluctant to go into Darfur. The same “African” or “Muslim” countries that crticise USA’s involvement in Iraq are doing NOTHING in Darfur.
I know you are a big advocate of democracy and human rights. So, is everyone else. However, this adventure in Iraq has shown that you cannot IMPOSE democracy through WAR.
They should have let the sanctions take their cause and they should have supported the HOME GROWN opposition groups inside iraq.
This is not about wwII or the French. Why are we in iraq? I’d really like to read your answer to this question.