Iraq isn't the Armageddon of Christianity versus Islam, it's an oil-rich country in the middle of an oil-hungry world. However, to hear President Loser talk about it, Iraq is some kind of showdown for western civilization.
Yes.. it's that, but it's also a struggle of ideologies between democratic ideals and those of Islamo-Fascism and totalitarian Ba'thist beliefs.
It's the Shi'a fundamentalists versus the Sunni fundamentalists. It's Arab versus Persian (as represented by Iran's influence and meddling). It's ethnic as relates to the Kurds versus everyone else.
But most importantly, it's a struggle between those moderate people who just want to have a safe society in which to realize their dreams and aspirations, both personally and for their families, versus those who would seek to dominate and control the destinies of others to their own advantage.
It's also a proxy struggle supported by neighboring countries who know that once democratic ideals take root in Iraq (as represented by massive voter participation), their tenuous hold on power will come under increasing pressure.
But have no doubt.. The Islamo-Fascists see this struggle in the terms of a "clash of civilizations", Islam versus the Infidel. It's in everyone of their public statements and deeply imbedded in the indoctrination of those who follow them.
No doubt that it's ALSO about oil. But then again, if there were no oil there, it's doubtful that the level of fervency would be as high as it is. And it's also plainly clear that, while the US primarily wishes to secure access to Iraqi controlled oil, the OTHER PARTIES wish to dominate and exploit that oil for their own selfish and parochia benefits.
There's a major difference between the US merely wishing to bring additional production online so that there are increased global supplies to be purchased, and other groups wanting to control the actual revenue derived from those sales.
As for Bremer, I wonder who ordered him to disband the Iraqi army without first detaining them and stripping them of their weapons?
If this were a military decision coming out of the Pentagon, then there is some serious blame to be assigned. Most of us were in agreement last year that suddenly putting thousands of trained and armed soldiers out on the streets was the primary cause of the insurgency. Many of these people were sent packing without a pension, without a new job, and with their AK-47.
Personally speaking, I would like to know more about how that decision was arrived at, and who was responsible for ordering it.
Hawk |
