How would you handle Iraq right now?

[C Dubya 04 0]

Right now, in my opinion, the US cannot back out of Iraq. There is no option but to see things through and help establish a new government over there.

 

But that being said, I feel that we are losing far too many lives during our ocupation and spending far too much money reestablishing their country.

 

I was wondering what the course of action should be in your opinion for the US in this situation?

[Spicy McHaggis 0]

I read somewhere that 80% of Iraq is doing well, the problem is in the 20% that is pro-Saddam. I'd set up camps somewhere outside the 20%, evacuate the population to said camps, and level the area.

 

Parking. Lot.

 

Then I'd do intensive background checks of the camp members. Build new homes for the innocent ones, imprison the questionable ones, and execute the terrorists stupid enough to enter.

[Guest jpclemmons]

I read somewhere that 80% of Iraq is doing well, the problem is in the 20% that is pro-Saddam. I'd set up camps somewhere outside the 20%, evacuate the population to said camps, and level the area.

 

Parking. Lot.

 

Then I'd do intensive background checks of the camp members. Build new homes for the innocent ones, imprison the questionable ones, and execute the terrorists stupid enough to enter.

that is some "passionate" conservatism.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

I think getting the 80% that's ready to move on to turn in the 20% that's causing trouble.

Get a tv/radio station going and talk about how the U.S. wants to get them clean water, etc. and more towards the future but a few small minded people are slowing things down.

[Guest JMA]

Well, first off, I'd prevent any blossoming goverment from being a theocracy. I would make sure that there is a strict separation of church and state. As for all the soldiers getting killed... well, that's a tough call. Terrorists and Saddam loyalists (there's a difference?) are still going to attack. I suppose it's just a case of getting them before they get you.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

I'd start by trying to reduce the amount of soldiers over there by re-establishing an Iraqi army. The administration is hesitant in arming the country again for obvious reasons, but it's going to happen sooner or later. And the regular Iraqi Army was majorily just average people and not hardcore Baath loyalists which resided in the Republican Guard.

 

So I'd say this: For every two soldiers that were NOT Republican Guard that return to duty, one US soldier will be removed.

 

That's just one problem of many of course. My general complaint of the "Oh yeah, well how would YOU reconstruct Iraq?" question is that our original answer was to simply not rush in.

[Anakin Flair 0]

ICBM.

 

Seriously, I would first CATCH SADDAM. Billions of dollars go into spy satelites and such, and they're telling me that we can't FIND his sorry ass? find him and put him in jail.

Second, I wouldn't put that 20% into internment camps. It was wrong when we did it during WW2, and it would be wrong now. Round up all of the weapons you can find, get basic public services back on line, show the Iraquies that we are NOT their enemy, and that 20 % will turn around.

[sfaJack 0]

Round up all of the weapons you can find, get basic public services back on line, show the Iraquies that we are NOT their enemy, and that 20 % will turn around.

Are you joking? It doesn't matter what we do for them, there's always going to be that 20% or so that will hate us. They always have, and they always will. Sitting around, playing nice, and showing them that we're making their lives better isn't going to work.

 

Waiting for them to "see the light," is only ignoring the problem. You have to solve that problem in some way, and weeding out and destroying the roots is the only way effective and efficient means of doing so.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

Total cultural warfare. Introduce all the little tidbits of western life that are incredibly convenient, novel, and likeable, and make sure it all gets associated with the improving infrastructure, and safety. Focus mainly on the younger generation in the country, as they're the ones most likely to either A, appreciate the freedoms they now have, or B, tie a nailbomb to their chest.

 

Showing the middle east that the west isn't actually so horrific after all is crucial. If they accept the culture, then the die-hard fundamentalists would gradually lose relevance. Especially considering that that kind of business and infrastructure wouldn't be controlled by the Saddam loyalists.

[Anakin Flair 0]

Round up all of the weapons you can find, get basic public services back on line, show the Iraquies that we are NOT their enemy, and that 20 % will turn around.

Are you joking? It doesn't matter what we do for them, there's always going to be that 20% or so that will hate us. They always have, and they always will. Sitting around, playing nice, and showing them that we're making their lives better isn't going to work.

 

Waiting for them to "see the light," is only ignoring the problem. You have to solve that problem in some way, and weeding out and destroying the roots is the only way effective and efficient means of doing so.

Well, that's when we bring in the ICBM's

In all seriousness, you're right. Still, doesn't hurt to have wishfull thinking.

[Firestarter 0]

How not to handle Iraq: Escape by Voice Vote

 

I think I can speak for all Americans, both those opposed to the President's $87 billion request and those in favour, when I say to the 94 Senators who ducked a recorded vote in a manner remarkable for its utterly shameless cowardice:

 

You should be ashamed.

 

 

 

Remember those lines by Yeats? "The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity." Huh. We should be so lucky.