Originally posted by Slash27
There are so many holes in the stories and spin since 9/11 on Iraq that it's amazing anyone can still argue for the war.
So what should we have done?
Slash,
Since I've had it pointed out in the past, since I'm not from the US my opinon dosn't count but just for you..
Finish the job in Afghanistan would of been good, along with putting in alot more resources to rebuild that country so it can have elections and install it's own government.
Work with Pakistan in attempting to shut down Al Qaeda, or atleast making it very difficult for them to operate successfully anywhere from within that region.
Terroism can't be defeated, that's been proven throughout history the best you can do is manage it. Imagine how much management you could pay for with the money spent on Iraq. 5 billion a month would certinly pay for alot.
Unfortunetly the two main reasons for invading Iraq. WMD's and Support of Bin Laden have proven to be incredibly false. As well as all the adverse points caused by the invasion of Iraq and circumstances since. Along with the incalculable cost in human lives.
Another incalculable cost is the major fractions and breakdowns we have now between previous long standing alliances and cooperation in the world and the serious damage to US credibility. Which will take decades to restore.
These breakdowns will make any further actions for the war on terroism in any part of the world so much more difficult and costly if not impossible to carry out. As even the US can't go it alone in the war on terror. Having a coalition is criticle.
I've heard the argument for the war in Iraq is to create a honey pot so to speak for terroisits to get drawn to and then crushed with military force, which is a simple and excellent idea. True good to keep them busy in Iraq and fight them there.
However when you look at the broader and long term picture, one seriously wonders if the reverse to the honey pot strategy is actually happening.
I'm not anti US, just hate to see a long standing ally and friend alienating itself from the world.
...-Gixer
