Posted on 01/04/2020 3:50:22 PM PST by rintintin
Otto von Bismarck famously declared the Balkans weren't worth the bones of a single Pomeranian grenadier. He knew that fractious, feuding part of Europe would soak up as much blood as the Germans cared to spill. Because Bismarck's successors forgot his wisdom, the Balkans ended up claiming the bones of millions, in what was naively called the Great War before it was eclipsed in bloodshed and horror twenty years later. Neither Germany nor her European adversaries have ever recovered.
The same could be said of the Middle East. The whole wretched place isn't worth the bones of a single Alabamian Marine. America has no vital interest there except oil. And, regarding the oil, whichever nation sits atop it has no choice but to sell it on the global market, since there is no other way for the backward economies of the region to generate sufficient revenue.
It is long past time for a definitive American withdrawal from that fractious, feuding part of the world. The attack on our embassy in Baghdad came about because we are contesting the Iranians for influence in Iraq. Invading and occupying Iraq has brought the U.S. nothing except flag-draped coffins, burgeoning VA wards, and fiscal ruin. Let someone else claim that so-called prize, and let us instead devote American lives and American treasure to promoting Americas interests.
Imagine how much better off we would be if the Americans killed and maimed in Iraq and Afghanistan were instead alive and vigorous, and if the hundreds of billions, even trillions, spent as a result of our Mideast misadventures had instead been devoted to productive economic activity, improving America's infrastructure, and solving American problems.
(Excerpt) Read more at chroniclesmagazine.org ...
The solution is not that complex. Back the despot of our choice that will not be a problem to our nation. If religious sects and nations in the Middle East want to fight each other just let them do it so long as they are not a threat to us. If they are a threat, drone the leaders via a hell fire missile. When a new leader steps up, drone him. Soon, no one will want to be leader.
The USA is energy independent and now an exporter of oil and gas. We do not need their oil. Europe and the Far East are very dependent on that oil. Let them step up and keep the oil flowing. It is now their job and not ours.
Oddly the most despotic regimes in the Middle East do not want the oil to stop flowing. Their oil is their economic lifeline.
Israel is very capable of taking care of itself.
You are sorely mistaken. Israel is a nuclear ally, think what the Middle East would become if we allowed Iran to become the dominate player in the Middle East.
Israel is an interest because there are a ton of Jews who contribute a ton of money to candidates and who lobby. Israel has been an intelligence ally of the US since they were founded.
All that said, they are quite capable. I just dont see us fighting side by side with them.
Israel is an interest because there are a ton of Jews who contribute a ton of money to candidates and who lobby. Israel has been an intelligence ally of the US since they were founded.
All that said, they are quite capable. I just dont see us fighting side by side with them.
that is one of the most ignorant statements I've ever seen here, and I read libbylu's opus.
1948
1967
1973
1977
And kind of a couple years ago in Lebanon.
And therein lies the global interest. If Israel is left to defend herself, by herself, then nuclear retaliation would seem inevitable. The consequences for the region, and the world, would be devastating, and long-lasting
Oh yeah, there are a bunch of conservative Christians who believe that the starship Jerusalem is going to float down out of the sky and take you home. Remember, only 144 thousand are making that trip. The odds are against you and me being on that ship.
So, thats worth getting my kids killed. That sounds like the fools waiting for their savior to pop up out of a well.
And kind of a couple years ago in Lebanon.
1902
1997
2073
2424
And kind of a couple triple years ago in kalamazoo.
Sure, why not? Maybe we can hide under the bed as well.
Oh wait, Tommy Boy is already there.
And he has wet himself.
Who do you want to guard our embassies?
Perhaps we could contract it out to the locals.
That worked so well last time.
Israel is our ally and deserves our strong support. That does not mean keeping thousands of US troops in the Mideast indefinitely to serve as targets for the lunatics there - Israel is perfectly capable of taking care of itself if the US establishment types don't get in the way.
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Well said. Unix forever!
I just love when some marginally agreeable points derail into utter BS.
You have no idea what I was talking about do you?
Isnt it time for Saturday night church?
Was he an Iranian Soldier?
Was he in Iraq?
Was he trying to harm Americans?
Who you working for?
I'm saddened to think you're serious
Your post caused me to think a bit... Can you explain why another country is of "vital interest" to OUR country? Not being contentious, but what IS the "vital interest" here?
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