Replies

The Bush administration (especially Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld and company) have talked about creating a "Democratic Iraq." This is almost an impossible job in great part because Iraq has no democratic tradition to build on. When I brought this up I was thinking of those who confidentally point to the the German and Japanese models of U.S. democracy building.

If "not walking away" is not the same as "nation building," then what is it? When Dubya said this, he was not just talking about military occupation but something more. If it wasn't nation building that he had in mind, what was it?

Having said that, I do not believe that defeating Saddam's forces in the initial stage will be that difficult. In fact, his generalis will probably overthrow him as soon as the troops cross the border IMHO. I am far more worried about the long-term occupation. In my view, it will indeed take a decades long pacification and military occupation througout Iraq....for the simple reason that the Iraqis have little to hold them together.

Then again....nothing in certain in such matters. All the more reason, in my view, to prudently and firmly concentrate on the defense of U.S. borders rather than plunging into the darkness in an ancient hell hole half way around the world. <{P> Happy New Year

When I brought this up I was thinking of those who confidentally point to the the German and Japanese models of U.S. democracy building.

Yes, different than Japan/Germany in that respect. Along those lines, what traditions of democracy existed in Japan/Germany when they were "rebuilt"?

If "not walking away" is not the same as "nation building," then what is it?...If it wasn't nation building that he had in mind, what was it?

Yes, that is the question. Your guess is as good as mine.

I do not believe that defeating Saddam's forces in the initial stage will be that difficult. In fact, his generalis will probably overthrow him as soon as the troops cross the border IMHO.

It will be interesting to see how much fighting we actually have to do to ensure the end of the WMD regime. I'm with you that this initial phase will be quite short.

...the Iraqis have little to hold them together.

Yes I believe this will be the problem that haunts us. But I don't think that it will be only the US helping.

All the more reason, in my view, to prudently and firmly concentrate on the defense of U.S. borders ...

I couldn't agree more! But there are differing opinions on the best way to do this. Some say close borders and bring all soldiers home from foreign lands. Some say put soldiers in every village in the world. While I am neither of those, each group has the best interest of the US at heart... just that they have different ideas on how to do it.

IMHO we need to severely restrict borders AND actively seek out and destroy known terrorist enemies...JMHO.