Have we won the Iraq war?

[Starfish]

Michael Yon is a correspondant who has spent many months in Iraq, imbedded with the troops. He says:

http://michaelyon-online.com/

"The war continues to abate in Iraq. Violence is still present, but, of course, Iraq was a relatively violent place long before Coalition forces moved in. I would go so far as to say that barring any major and unexpected developments (like an Israeli air strike on Iran and the retaliations that would follow), a fair-minded person could say with reasonable certainty that the war has ended. A new and better nation is growing legs. What's left is messy politics that likely will be punctuated by low-level violence and the occasional spectacular attack. Yet, the will of the Iraqi people has changed, and the Iraqi military has dramatically improved, so those spectacular attacks are diminishing along with the regular violence. Now it's time to rebuild the country, and create a pluralistic, stable and peaceful Iraq. That will be long, hard work. But by my estimation, the Iraq War is over. We won. Which means the Iraqi people won."

[Laughing Man]

Cautious optimism is how I would put it, there are still a number of factors that could send everything there back to hell in a hand basket. But I believe that Iraq has turned an important corner as evident by the fact that the Iraqi government is now making its own assertions that do not directly correspond with our wishes. This is the sign of a strengthening government – and while it’s not over yet we may just be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel I just hope it’s not a train.

[Starfish]

If it's true, was it worth it?

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by Starfish

If it's true, was it worth it?

For that matter, what were our objectives again?

[Laughing Man]

I personally feel we never should have gone there - I dont think it was worth it. But that is now maybe in 5 years if things go well in that country the answer will change.

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by Engyo

For that matter, what were our objectives again?

I objected to the use of our armed forces for commercial gain. I am surprised you forgot so quickly.

[Autodidact]

Sure, don't you remember? We won this war on May 1, 2003.



Everything since then has been occupation.

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Laughing Man

I personally feel we never should have gone there - I dont think it was worth it. But that is now maybe in 5 years if things go well in that country the answer will change.

I appreciate your open mind. None of us know what will be in 5 years.

IF Iraq remains free and democratic giving those people rights and privileges they would likely have never had otherwise, IF Iraq remains a strong ally to the US in the Middle East bringing added stability into a very volatile region, IF Iraq shows other similar countries that it can be done--that freedom and democracy are attainable and possible . . .

THEN would it have been worth it?

[Dunemeister]

If it's a victory, it's pretty hollow, what with hundreds of thousands of dead Iraqis and millions displaced.

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

If it's a victory, it's pretty hollow, what with hundreds of thousands of dead Iraqis and millions displaced.

I'm sure many said the same in 1945.