If removing a brutal dictator from power is the goal, then why hasn't the U.S. removed Kim Jong Il from North Korea. How about the government of Myamar (ex-Burma)? Or how about the government of Sudan?
The Bush administration saw Saddam as a threat it took the unprecedented step of invading a legitimate government. Yes, yes . . . an unfriendly government; however, still a legitimate government. After the invasion, a lot of hope and expectation that the Iraqi's will step up to the plate and take care of themselves. Unfortunately, their loyalties to their family/tribe/religion was more important than Nationalism. The U.S. and the rest of the western countries do not understand the mind set in the Middle East. Just take a look at the Palestinians. They're more interested in fighting among themselves Fatah vs Hamas than the Israelis. In Iraq, you have the Sunni, Shiites, Al-Qaeda, weak U.S. back government (corruption), the U.S., and the Kurds. Unfortunately, it's a free for all. Plus you have the Saudi's backing up the Sunnis and the Iranians supporting the Shiites.
Basically, the U.S. is screwed. Can't leave and can't stay. Leave and the Iraqi government will fall and the Iranians will be calling the shots in Iraq . . . the Iraqi country if you call it will be fragmented. Al Qaeda will have an example to the world that the U.S. can be defeated and the smaller Persian Gulf states will be next as well as the moderate Muslim countries like Jordan and Egypt. Moderate Muslim countries need a strong man (dictator) to keep things in order . . . they don't understand or want democracy.
The U.S. invaded Iraq because of oil. Plain is simple. I already posted prior but 40% of world's oil goes through the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. Two channels inbound/outbound 2 miles wide each. If we screw with Iran, couple of mines in the channels will jack up the price of oil it won't be funny. Talk about oil self sufficiency . . . that doesn't exist in the West. It's a single world market.
The Western Civilization does not understand the mind set of the Muslim world. Self sacrifice . . . being a suicide bomber. We cannot fathom such an act of defiance in our culture; however, it's a normal for the Muslim culture.
I personally don't see any type of successful closure unless the Iraqi's themselves can unite and get all non-Iraq's out of their country.
OPREP
P.S. I'm pro-military and hope I'm not on Weaver's S*** List.
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