Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sig who wrote (105337)	7/14/2003 6:48:04 PM
From: epicure	Respond to of 281500

You realize Iraq had actually invaded Kuwait, and moved to the Saudi border- the Saudis asked for our help- now this is critical- this was the legitimate Saudi government that requested our assistance. It is fairly clear that at least immediately prior to the engagement of US forces that the Iraqis fired the first shots at Kuwait. And of course the UN then condemned Iraq and authorized allied force to kick the Iraqis out of Kuwait. Now you could say that the whole thing started because of poorly telegraphed foreign policy signals on our part (the old- "We aren't concerned with your part of the world" message that Saddam thought he had read loud and clear, but misinterpreted). But that's hardly a first shot. Austrian prince? I know this one! I love this story- since it hinges on the extreme competition between Russia and the Austrian empire for territory. It's a fascinating story involving mutual defense treaties- shall we go over it in depth? A Bosnian-Serb terrorist fired the first shot (at the instigation of the Black Hand)- might not be fair to blame the Serbian government (imo) but Austria attacked them anyway, and of course Russia defended. Although the Serbian government (or at least elements of it) knew about the plan- you can kind of analogize this to Afghanistan, I suppose. Gosh I'd love to go on, j'adore history. But it's kind of off topic.