Iraq is a unique culture. How do we (US) adapt to heal it?

Question

We are in it neck deep..for better or worst. Understanding its uniqueness is very importrant.

Answer 1

I really don't think America has enough influence to heal any Country in Persia, they have thousands of years of history and America only has 200 years or so. This why they say mind your own business. Bush had to use obvious force to make his point at the tune of 650,000 plus deaths, and they still aren't listening. We are in it neck deep I'm afraid.

Answer 2

Excellent explanation Wolfie... Thank you.

I always like to hear what people who have actual experience in the region have to say. It is so important for people like you to give the rest of us a lesson in Iraq101.

Great question too Rebel... thank you for asking it. After reading Wolfie's explanation anything I put down here wouldn't mean squat.

I only wish Wolfie could give us insight into what we as Americans can do back here to help rectify the situation over in Iraq. What an individual like Wolfie has to offer means more than any of the so called armchair experts in Washington _or_ 99.99% of the people on this message board.

One thing I am wondering Wolfie if you happen to pass this way again, What about the concept of breaking Iraq up into different regions independent of each other. I tend to have a soft spot for the Kurds in the North.

Thank you both...
Tammy

Answer 3

I am over here right now and have been here for several years already.... the entire Middle East might fit your description.

Healing it is something for them to do after we provide them the tools to stabilize it properly.

The one missing ingredient most Americans dont see is that none of these people are concerned about being "Iraqi", but rather with being from a certain tribe, or a certain faith, or even a faith born of a specific tribe. Tribal boundaries are not on the map, but ask any Iraqi and he can show you exactly where the line is...... he'll usually not know where the city boundary is.

Saddam was a hero to his tribe because he killed other non-tribal people and brought immense wealth to his tribe. Thats how it is here and all you have to do is read about Al-Maliki to understand why he supported the Sadr Brigades for so long. Al-Maliki is breaking with that tribe finally, so maybe a 'national spirit' has beguin to show itself.

Answer 4

That would be like someone standing between the North and the South during our civil war and "understanding its uniqueness". Good way to get yourself killed. The Sunnis and the Shiites hate each other there (for the most part). They have to heal themselves. We can't do it for them. Anymore than you could come between a divorcing husband and wife and "help them to heal it"...You can listen, but you can't force healing on them.You can't force people to change if they don't want to. In that respect, they are no more unique than anyone else on this planet.

Answer 5

I'm not adapting anything. Iraq has their culture and I have mine. We have many experts and thousands of soldiers that are working within the Iraqi culture. Let the government do their job and lets quit bogging them down with the BS of the day under the guise of helping.

Answer 6

It will only heal if the Iraqis decide to let it happen. We can't force it to, we can only create the political climate to let it happen.

Answer 7

'US NEEDS TO GRADUALLY PULL BACK AND LET THE IRAQ'S LEADER TRY TO COME TO SOME TYPE OF PEACEFUL AGREEMENT. THE IRAQ'S ARE PROBABLY VERY ANGRY THAT AN OUTSIDE SOURCE IS TRYING TO TELL THEM HOW TO SOLVE THERE PROBLEMS, WHEN THE US HAS A LOT OF ISSUES TO WORK ON ITSELF.

Answer 8

Why is it the USA that must always adapt?

Answer 9

a big band-aide with some neosporin

Answer 10

no body can heal the other , the other have to heal itself