[VOA]

Problem is Saddam's brutality repressed Islamic fundamentalism.

You are absolutely correct.
At the same time...at least following Gulf War I, some investigative reporters say that
Saddam started to at least make some protestations about Allah, even if just
to try to bring devout Iraqi Muslims to his side.

Some even said this might have been part of a joining of Saddam to radical Islamic
groups like Al-Quida.

Myself, I say ship TONS of aid and distribute it...just get the Iraqis into good physical shape
With written declaration of where the aid comes from in Arabic (or whatever) on the boxes.

We can plant the seed now without starting civil insurrections.

[UnChained]

Myself, I say ship TONS of aid and distribute it...just get the Iraqis into good physical shape With written declaration of where the aid comes from in Arabic (or whatever) on the boxes.

Has welfare in the US created patriots who love the people who take care of them?

No, it's created an attitude of entitlement and resentment that they aren't getting more than they are. Saddam's Iraq seemed to be a vast welfare state woith a lot of people on the dole. I see the resentment and sense that "the government owes me a living mentality" is already well developed in Iraq.

I say let the religious organizations in and attach all the strings they want to the aid. Maybe even with matching funds from the US.