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Question

So now, not only do the American and British people think Bush was wrong to go to war, but the US Intelligence Community says it's encouraging terrorists. Is Bush just putting his fingers in his ears and singing to himself? What possible reasons for the continuation of the war now exist, other than the classic "I think it's a mistake" line that he gave at his press conference?

Answer 1

With all due respect, Motherof3, the question was not one of support for the troops. The question was what possible justification would there now be for American troops to remain in Iraq.

The facts are these... and yes I know them. The United States went into this war under false pretenses. Did the Pres. cherry-pick the intelligence that would justify his sending the troops into Iraq and force to the rest of the political establish AND the media to accept his reason is a question that has been debated for the past 3-1/2 years. The fact is that the governments' own NIE, compiled as the opinion of all 16 intelligence branches of the US government, says Iraq is now a breeding ground for terrorists where it once wasn't. It also says that more and more muslims are now identifying themselves as Jihadists. Yes, to be fair, the NIE also states that defeating those insurgents/terrorists in Iraq would weaken jihadist efforts and that to leave now would only make things worse. To answer the question: Pres. Bush now has a new reason to give for staying. Success in Iraq would weaken the jihadists.

Answer 2

Did you see Question time last night? It was fuggin' brillant! Jack Straw got dragged over the coals.
Piers Morgan made a very interesting point; despite the war in Iraq being such an unmitigated disaster not one memeber of the cabinet has offered an unqualifed apology or resigned over the matter. Jeff Hoon's departure was purely to do with the Hutton enquiry.
I think this behaviour of the cabinet and PM in this country reflects a wider political arrogance in the west; politicians are adopting a culture of leadership rather than representation. I was talking to a person last night about this who recommended "Hegemony or Survival" by Noam Chomsky as an excellent insight in the true purpose of American foreign policy.

A quick trip to Amazon me thinkees!

Answer 3

There is no reason to be there. The only reason we are there is so that the Bush administration can save face. By keeping troops there, the inevitable Civil War that will break out when we withdraw will be postponed until after Bush is out of office. Then the Wingnuts will blame the Democrats.

Answer 4

To be fair, one of the points in that intelligence report also suggested that "winning the war in Iraq would dramatically reduce insurgent recruitment"... It's important to put forth both sides of the argument. I think it's a mess over there, but in order to have a meaningful dialog, we can't just spew one side of the argument without carefully and completely weighing the opposite view. Sadly, this site is full of 'one-siders'.

Answer 5

Bush and his supporters are True Believers. No amount of fact or reason can ever sway a True Believer.

Answer 6

Are you a politician? Do you really know all of the facts? All of them? President Bush, has and is showing the terrorists that they cannot bully us on our land. The Armed Forces are our heroes. They and God are the reason for our safety. THANK YOU SOLDIERS!I

Answer 7

Bush still thinks he is right

Answer 8

bush is a frickin moron and knew what he was doing from the beginning....so frickin crap that its encouraging terrorists....we do something to htem, they do something to us, and the circle goe son, thats just how it is and if he didnt think of that to begin with than hes just a douche.

Answer 9

Boring.

Answer 10

We shouldn't be there, nobody should. Its embarassing to know my own president started this war and dragged everyone else into it.