Well, Vidkun, whatever the “legitimacy” of origins of the Iraq conflict may be, one thing is clear. As a result of the invasion an extremely brutal dictator was removed from power. Additionally, the Iraqi people are going to get a chance to vote for a democratic form of government, a new future and the leaders to guide them for the first time in about 45 years.
Democracy won’t come easy; if they want it, they’ll have to be ready to risk their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor (to borrow a phrase). Even if it’s won, it’ll be hard to keep. However, they’ll have a better chance at keeping it than we did.
On Iraqi Election Day, Iraqis are going to die because there are still brutal men that fear freedom. On Iraqi Election Day, American soldiers and their true Allies are going to die trying to safeguard Iraqi voters.
In some nations with long histories of free elections, the Iraqi elections will be sneered at, will be considered fraudulent. The citizens of these nations will go to bed criticizing the American effort and dismissing the Iraqi election as unimportant and meaningless.
In other countries, some still under brutal dictators, the elections will be closely observed and envied. They will remember broadcast images of American soldiers and their true Allies doing their best to make sure every Iraqi that has the courage to create a new future for his country is able to cast his ballot. The citizens of these nations will go to bed praying that the Americans and their true Allies will someday, somehow come to help them as well.
So, I’ll make these predictions:
Were war to come between the US and Europe, it will be started by the Europeans.
If it comes, Americans will be very glad that people like you are on the other side; it’s difficult to fight when you have to be watching your ally behind you as close as your enemy in front of you.
Lastly, your side will lose. Big time. Then we’ll forgive you and rebuild you back better than you were before and give you another chance at free elections and democracy.
Finally, as Colin said, we’ll bury our dead once again and go home.
(BTW, looks like you flunked reading newguy's mind. Maybe the correspondence course will refund your tuition.
