Posted on 01/09/2005 3:10:49 PM PST by TaxachusettsMan
Scowcroft Skeptical Vote Will Stabilize Iraq Friend of Bush Family Joins Pessimists
By Dana Priest and Robin Wright Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, January 7, 2005; Page A12
Brent Scowcroft, national security adviser for President George H.W. Bush and a leading figure in the U.S. foreign policy establishment, said yesterday that he has grown pessimistic about prospects for stability and democracy in Iraq, a view increasingly expressed by other foreign policy figures in both parties.
"The Iraqi elections, rather than turning out to be a promising turning point, have the great potential for deepening the conflict," Scowcroft said. He said he expects increased divisions between Shiite and Sunni Muslims after the Jan. 30 elections, when experts believe the government will be dominated by the majority Shiites.
Scowcroft predicted "an incipient civil war" would grip Iraq and said the best hope for pulling the country from chaos would be to turn the U.S. operation over to NATO or the United Nations -- which, he said, would not be so hostilely viewed by Iraqis.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the New America Foundation, a nonprofit public policy group, Scowcroft also said the continued U.S. presence in Iraq is inflaming the Middle East, hurting the U.S. war on terrorism.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
You are right. We need to light a really hot fire under Iran. They are supporting the terrorists against us. Of course, so are the Saudis.
I agree....i've known brent for years and i for one think he's lost his marbles. i'm so sick of hearing him speak his gems of wisdom (not!!) i just wish he'd shut up and got quietly into the night!
Exactly.
Civil War? Haven't heard about it. I don't think the Al Qaeda bombings and killing westerners is a civil war.
Who cares what the H this geezers opinions are. He helped sink Bush 41.
Yes there is a civil war going on in Saudi Arabia. Do you think the MSM would let you know about it? Remember, the Democrats, MSM wants President Bush & the country to loose the War on Terror. They want POWER and don't care how they get. They would love for Bush to overreact in Saudi Arabia. Yes, there are problems with the Saudi’s. However we must support elements of the Saudi ruling family who support us. We can not afford to alienate these friendly Saudi forces. Again don't drink the LIBERAL KOOL AID.
I was simply looking at the lack of support we get from the Saudis. Also, the obvious attempt sabotage Bush by raising gas prices before the election.
Again, they are supporting us. The MSM is only giving us gloom & doom.
OK, I will take your word for it (at least for the time being).
Does it trouble you that we are then forced to prop up a Kingdom with no democracy?
No. One must crawl before you can walk. We have 2 choices when it comes to the Middle East/Islam. Gradually convert them to a peaceful form of Democracy or allow the Islamic-Fascist to foster by retreating to fortress America. This will ultimately lead to a MAJOR nuclear war with these people and will mean 200 plus million dead.
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