Just who are we asking to "stand up" in Iraq? (choice, recall)

[doppelgänger]

Does anyone still believe that the majority of the population of Iraq believes in "Iraq" as the primary or even a meaningful expression of who they are? Is there really much doubt that the primary allegience of most "Iraqi" people is to their sectarian religious leadership rather than the "unity" government of "Iraq"?

If the people aren't behind "Iraq," then to whom are we giving money, weapons and training? Shi'ia militiamen who will become the trained and armed military of a Shi'ia state allied with Iran?

Sure seems like it.

Doesn't that all but guarantee that whatever "standing up" is occurring is "standing up" by those the U.S. will sooner or later consider an enemy?

[lunamoth]

And it's not the first time this has happened.

luna

[Djamila]

Well, the US makes many of its own enemies completely of its own choice. There's no reason either Iraq or Iran need be enemies of the United States.

[michel]

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Does anyone still believe that the majority of the population of Iraq believes in "Iraq" as the primary or even a meaningful expression of who they are? Is there really much doubt that the primary allegience of most "Iraqi" people is to their sectarian religious leadership rather than the "unity" government of "Iraq"?

If the people aren't behind "Iraq," then to whom are we giving money, weapons and training? Shi'ia militiamen who will become the trained and armed military of a Shi'ia state allied with Iran?

Sure seems like it.

Doesn't that all but guarantee that whatever "standing up" is occurring is "standing up" by those the U.S. will sooner or later consider an enemy?

I don't personally think that there is any future hope of a united Iraq; the civil war will continue until one side reigns supreme.

Money sent in aid often gets to those who deserve it least.

The British Government has (through Tony blair) finally admitted that "Iraq hasn't quite worked out the way we thought it would"..........he's so quick on the uptake...........

He has also said that "It is hoped that - notwithstanding any unforseen events (which is a pretty good get out clause), some soldiers will be recalled to Britain at the end of next year".

maybe, perhaps, if.......................

[doppelgänger]

Originally Posted by Djamila

There's no reason either Iraq or Iran need be enemies of the United States.

I agree, but they will be nonetheless.

[klubbhead024]

Originally Posted by Djamila

Well, the US makes many of its own enemies completely of its own choice. There's no reason either Iraq or Iran need be enemies of the United States.

I'm still trying to figure out how the US can train and arm a country, adn them consider th em enemies even though they have never attacked us!

[Pardus]

Those who have an "Us and Them" mentally need a "Them" to be happy with themselves.

[Sunstone]

Some White House aide today said Iran is not on the brink of a civil war. You have to wonder who's going to buy that?

EDIT: I mean Iraq, not Iran.