I actually agree with the above comment--but think that our actions in Iraq are ensuring that "1% of them [will become] radicalized".
Sam... 9/11 happened without our having invaded Iraq.. It happened while we were protecting the region from both Iran and Iraq...
So face it, radicalization was bound to happen regardless... It was our continued presence in Saudi Arabia due to our wasteful "containment" of Saddam that brought Bin Laden to power on the basis of such a troop precense.
You simply can't have 30% unemployment in highly repressive society without some level of ideological/theological militantcy arising... I opine that Bush's policy, as I currently see it, is to nip it in the bud to the greatest extent possible, without necessarily disrupting the entire region (like overthrowing the Saudi Royal family). But I do believe that such an option is part of "plan B" should the Saudis fail to quash Wahhabist militancy and stop Saudis from funding militant movements.
I know, I know, you believe that the way we went about doing it was the only way possible,
No, No... I don't believe that this was the only way to go about it.. but there are many paths that lead to the same destination.. We could have outright stated we were going to re-establish Hashemite rule in Iraq and set them into a rivalry with the Saudis. This may still occur should Iraq prove unresponsive to democratic reforms.
but the mess we are building is potentially so huge that I have to keep reminding myself that there was a purpose somewhere sometime, however idiotic.
The "mess", as you call it, is not necessarily our fault, unless you are one of those who would blame the US for not taking an interventionist approach back in the '40s aimed at creating democractic governments (no matter we were locked in a active, and later a cold, war with totalitarian regimes).
The US does not bear responsibility for the baby boom which has been underway in the region... We can only deal with its repercussions, attempt to influence the outcome in a manner that doesn't threaten us, and hold on for the ride we'll experience until all of these muslim kids reach 30-40 years of age.
Hawk |
