Re: "So is your suggested solution to turn it over to the zealots"
You must have not been paying very close attention to what I've proposed numerous times....
"Turning it over to the Zealots" is EXACTLY what we are 'accomplishing' right now!
Points:
#1) It ain't our country. Only the LOCALS can arrive at a political settlement which they themselves will accept.
#2) Standing up for the principle of Self Determination is an American tradition. It also lies at the HEART of a respect for Democracy. (WE *are* supposed to be FOR Democracy right? Or, was that just a cover story?)
#3) Yes, there are real and long-standing political/religious/ethnic issues and problems that divide many of the peoples of Iraq. After all, it's a highly ARTIFICIAL country that was stitched together from THREE SEPARATE OTTOMAN PROVINCES (by the Super Power Colonialist of the time: Great Britain) in an effort to create a WEAK and internally divided 'country' that would be easier to rule then the three separate provinces. The colonialists failed in their attempt to rule... but it is STILL up to the locals to decide whether they want to be part of this thing called 'Iraq'... or part of some OTHER country.
The KURDS have already spoken, and very CLEARLY: they prefer a Kurdish homeland. And the Shiites, polling indicates, seem by very strong majorities to desire their own homeland --- just has they previously had in history.
The Sunni Arabs? Well, they are *pissed* (being the former hegemonic power)... but they can always affiliate with a neighboring SUNNI ARAB nation, such as Jordan (remember the old 'Trans-Jordan'?), or Saudi Arabia, etc.
#4) What if they fight over this?
Well, what if they do?
I'd argue that, not only do they have the fundamental right to self-determination of all people... but that having EXTREMIST SUNNIS and EXTREMIST SHIITES fight each other to a bloody draw, (while sketching out dividing lines for the respective zones of influence between Iran and the Sunni Arab world) would prove VERY BENEFICIAL to Western interests!
Not only would it remove the targets from our backs (as they focused their anger and hatred on each other...), but that it likely would also hasten the day for an Islamic Reformation, which the Islamic world vitally needs if it is to join the West in building societies or tolerance, with respect for differing religious views, and a modernistic approach!
#5) If they fight (&, I expect them to) it ain't our job to try to stop 'em (a futile and very wasteful and harmful approach any way one looks at it!) How would Americans have felt if England and France had intervened in numbers with ground troops during *our* Civil War? Choosing sides? Telling ONE SIDE they are the 'right side', and the other side that they are not?
Well... we wouldn't have like FOREIGNERS butting in, not one bit. Just as locals in the Middle East aren't very appreciative of OUR meddling right now!
There (fortunately!!!!) is more then ONE way to achieve our long-term national strategic objectives, Peter.
================================================
Message 22634652
Message 22706282 |
