Off Topic:
Charles,
One of the misconceptions that has pervaded the Iraqi-Iranian issue is the perception that Shiite Iraqis have a great love for the policies of Tehran. While they share a similiar religious belief, and many sites considered holy to those of the Shia sect lie within Iraq, the most significant difference is that Iraqi are Arabs first, Shiites second. Iranians are Persians and there exists centuries of animosity between the two people.
And then there are the Kurds, a people "unloved" by any of the countries in which they reside whether it be Turkey, Iraq, or N. Western Iran.
As for the oil quotas, one of the reasons that Saddam continues to maintain strong support from the military is that major portions of this income from selling oil was going to maintain the power and standards of living of his Republican Guards. The Iraqi people have always stood in line to receive any benefits from these oil sales as the demands of Saddam's power base require more financial "lubrication".
So who is screwed either way in this scenario?? The Iraqi people. Who will be screwed as the bombs and missiles fall amongst civilians and soldiers?? The Iraqi people. Who will continue to be screwed unless Saddam eventually falls and is replaced by more moderate leaders? The Iraqi people.
The issue is not whether or not Iraqi people are "killed", but merely who will do the killing or initiates a scenario in which people die.
Example: Would close to 100,000 Iraqi soldiers have perished had Saddam not invaded Kuwait and caused the response by Coalition forces that he did?? So who is guilty of killing Innocent Iraqis, The US coalition... or Saddam Hussein who thrust his nation into harm's way.
While we often are repulsed at the thought of assasinating world leaders, I often wonder how many of us, given the opportunity and the necessary foresight of the future, would have hesitated to "terminate" the reign of individuals like Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, or Tojo.
I would like to think I would be willing to pull the trigger. Call me conservative, but either way it is a tough call.
Now how did we get on this topic in the first place?? <wink>
Regards,
Ron |
