Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tecoyah
Actually...they recognize the Afghanistan target as far more strategic I think....unfortunately we do not.
|
How do you know that they consider Afghanistan is a more strategic target? Why would you think Afghanistan is a more strategic target? There is nothing in Afghanistan other than good remote places to hide. If they want to extend their influence in the region, Iraq is the place to be.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by willravel
I need to be clear on this point, as apparently you've still missed this point: Iraq didn't attack us on 9/11. Not only did they have nothing to do with 9/11, but Saddam Hussain hated Osama Bin Laden and took an active role in ensuring that the al Qaeda 'terrorist network' was never able to move in to or have any level of influence in Iraq.
|
Let me be clear. The Saddam threat predates 9/11. He should have been removed in the first Gulf War.
Quote:
|
When you said "One key difference is that terrorist will attack us on our soil." in referring to Iraq, you were totally incorrect. It's not a matter of perspective that Iraq didn't attack us. It's a matter of proven and verified fact that Iraq had no connections to 9/11. Even those who misled us into Iraq with their claims of ties between Iraq and al Qaeda have long since explained that they were wrong.
|
I understand how it gets confusing, but I don't think you are putting any effort to understand the opposite point of view to yours.
Terrorist have attacked us on our soil. Currently, many not all, are fighting in Iraq. Regardless of the reason, that is where the fight is. If we leave Iraq, the fight doesn't end with the terrorist. This war like many others can be fought on multiple fronts - Iraq is one. We more or less chose Iraq and one way to look at it is that getting rid of Saddam was a secondary benefit, although I think it was a primary benefit. Afghanistan is not a good location to take the fight to the terrorists.
Quote:
|
As someone who knows several radical Muslims, I can say with total confidence that you're wrong. They'd be happy if Islam continued to grow in the US, but they are not fighting for that to happen. The goal of the violent radical elements in Middle Eastern Islam want to be left alone or want revenge for past interference.
|
Left alone?!? When Bin laden was hiding in Afghanistan planning 9/11 who the hell was bothering him. You don't think they want to control how everyone practices their religion in the ME? Why do you think they would stop in the ME and not control the "western world"? That after thought about revenge, seems to be pretty important to them, doesn't it. I am sure they need revenge on children who were not even alive when supposed wrongs were commited against them. Revenge against other Muslims is really serving their cause too. I am not sure how you can justify the actions of these people. Having the intent and planning to kill innocent people is simply wrong. If you think that is what we do, I suggest you spend time talking to some of our people in the military.
Quote:
|
Whether they want Israel out of Palestine, the US out of Iraq, or want to punish the US for our role in the Iraq-Iran War, they are fighting for reasons that really have nothing at all to do with converting anyone to Islam.
|
I guess some of them may think having non-Muslims dead is o.k. too.
Quote:
|
Some of them may want to control Islam there, but they aren't going to blow up a building so I'll pray to Allah. That's just not how it works.
|
Why do they blow up buildings? What is the point then? Tell me how it works.
Quote:
|
I would have acted on the pre-Pearl Harbor intelligence and intercepted the fleet at sea with fighter planes. This is of course assuming I was allowed a time machine and a high military rank back in the 1940s. See how helpful hypotheticals are?
|
Re-visiting past military actions is a common training technique in the military. Hypothetical can be very helpful. I do get your point, from your point of view. You are lucky to live in a country at a time when others take military issues seriously.
Quote:
|
Oh boy, that's a strawman. No one is 'silent' about anything, except for the apathetic people. I will protest about murder, no matter who is responsible. Are we really surprised that a nation we invaded is fighting back? I abhor any war, but I'm not beyond comprehending reasons behind fighting. It's not difficult for me to put myself into the shoes of US or Iraqis over in Iraq.
|
It was a point based on an observation. Truth hurts sometimes.
Quote:
As for targeting innocent people, let the military that is without sin cast the first stone. All I hear out of Iraq is reports of US convoys firing on unarmed Iraqi civilians. Do you think that conservative 600,000 Iraqi civilian deaths number is a joke? Do you know how many innocent people have been killed by US forces?
I'll go over to Iraq and ask the US soldiers to lay down their arms, stop shooting or kidnapping and torturing innocent people and ask them to use diplomacy to get what they want. We'll see how well that goes over.
We, the USA, brought al Qaeda to Iraq. We broke down what was a relatively stable state that had managed to keep terrorists out and let them in. We are supporting global terrorism. We have failed where Saddam was easily successful. What's even worse is that our presence is galvanizing and helping to organize Iraqis who are ripe for the al Qaeda.
Do you know what the mission of the al Qaeda is? The end of foreign influence in the Middle East. And people say if we pull out it will help the al Qaeda come to power in Iraq. That's just niave. Our presence is the factor leading to the spread and growth of al Qaeda.
|
Again, we will never agree or find any common ground on this issue. I will read what others have to say on this topic for a while.