What do you think about the war Iraq?

Question

we are having a debate and the topic is should we pull troops out of Iraq as soon as possable, what do you think we should do and why? what are some of your reasons?
if you have any website with stats i would love to see them
Thanks

Answer 1

The problem with the dilemma in Iraq is that both sides have a very good argument, but passions are running high so no one wants to really talk about a good solution.

Saddam was a brutal, ruthless dictator who was definitely interested in, and possibly overtly funding, terrorism against the US. So it was a good thing we took him out.

The US does not just use military force to overthrow dictators - it is clearly in our interest - not to mention the right thing to do - to establish moderate, US-friendly, democracies when possible. So we left troops in Iraq to keep the peace while we helped the Iraqis establish a democracy. We did not (some say could not) anticipate that Iraq would become a magnet for terrorism. So it is becoming harder and harder to meet the goal of setting up a peaceful government that can run the country.

So should we pull the troops out?

Reasons yes:
* Many troops and Iraqis are dying.
* We don't seem to be making progress towards peace in Iraq.

Reasons no:
* If we pull out we lose the war.
* If we pull out, there is a very, very strong chance that an anti-US government will be established, one that most likely will support future terrorism.
* If we pull out, even more Iraqis will die because the Sunnis and Shiites hate each other, and neither likes the Kurds.
* If we pull out, we send a message to other countries and terrorist organizations that it's easy to beat the US, just start an insurgency and inflict lots of casualties; eventually the political support back home will drop off and the US will leave, allowing terrorist organizations and ruthless dictators to accomplish their will anywhere in the world, except (for now) within the US borders.

So while the reasons for pulling out seem pretty compelling, taken alone, the alternative is even worse. Personally, I think rather than pulling out or staying the current course, we need to change tactics. Sufficient military force can stop any insurgency. We need to send LOTS of troops over there, and leave them there until the borders are secure, the insurgents are removed, and the Iraqis have well-trained and disciplined internal security forces.

We also need to stop encouraging the terrorists. They can see the news - TV, print, internet - and they know that their terror tactics are working. Every time there is another call for a pullout, the terrorists know they're one step closer to success, so they continue or step up the insurgency. Every time some misinformed answer, parrotting the "give up" politicians, gets posted here, the terrrorists go "Yes, one more!" Every terrorist hates George Bush because he's sending the best Army in the world against them. Too many Americans are siding with the terrorists on that one.

If the US presented a unified "we're in this to win" attitude, with the whole country behind it, they would realize that they're not going to win in Iraq and focus their efforts elsewhere, or give up.

Hope this helps - good luck with the debate!

Answer 2

Iraq is in Chaos, and the Occupation is Making Things Worse The occupation isn't providing security for Iraqis; there is no security in Iraq. According to a study published in the respected medical journal The Lancet, some 100,000 Iraqis have lost their lives in the war and occupation, and most of those deaths are due to the U.S. military campaign. Iraqis are afraid to leave their homes, because they could be killed by U.S. soldiers or suicide bombers. Fear of violence, abduction and rape has emptied the streets of women. Meanwhile, the water isn't safe to drink, the electricity still isn't working, and the hospitals are in shambles. The occupation isn't solving these problems; it's making them worse.

Occupying Iraq Makes Us Less Safe The ongoing US military presence in Iraq - and plans to build 14 permanent military bases there - is inflaming anti-American sentiment throughout the Middle East and around the world. In just one year, the estimated number of Iraqi insurgent fighters jumped from 5,000 to 40,000. In addition, according to the US National Intelligence Council, the war in Iraq has created "a training and recruitment ground (for terrorists), and an opportunity for terrorists to enhance their technical skills."

The Iraqis Don't Want Us There It should be no surprise that Iraqis are happy with downfall of Saddam Hussein. But that does not mean they are happy to have 150,000 U.S. troops occupying their country. An overwhelming majority Iraqis (82% of Sunnis and 69% of Shiites) want the U.S. military to leave after an elected Iraqi government is in place. If we really believe in democracy, then we should listen to the demands of the Iraqi people and leave their country. There can be no liberation in the midst of a military occupation, and the Iraqi election didn't change that reality.

Occupation Takes Resources Away From Priorities At Home The invasion and occupation of Iraq has already cost billions, and the Bush administration has just asked Congress for billions more.. At the same time, community programs are being cut in every state in the country - from public libraries to schools to hospitals to train service - and the deficit is reaching record levels. The heavy reliance on the National Guard in Iraq has drained our communities of emergency responders, police and fire public servants. Our social and homeland security needs should not become part of the war's "collateral damage."

Answer 3

My life has been affect very deeply by the war in Iraq. My father has seen nearly 3years over there and My husband is there now. I believe that when you take the politics out of it...we set people free. These people were terrified of anything and everything. We have given life to a dead country. What they do with it is up to them. Its saddens me to think that they have not stepped up to the plate but they still have the threats of terrorism and thats a pretty big obstacle to overcome. I'm very angry with the overall press coverage of this war. Its dispicable. These cowards sit at their desks and whine about whats going on on without ever thinking of solutions. Its much easier to Monday morning quarterback than it is to step on the field. THANK GOD FOR OUR TROOPS.
Our country went through a revolution,slavery, a 5 year civil war, abolotion, civil rights movements, and many other obstacles and 300 years to be what we are now. Why do we expect terrorized people to suddenly become civilized over night.....we didn't.

Answer 4

Retired Army Lt. Gen. William Odom summed it up perfectly by saying "The invasion of Iraq was the greatest strategic disaster in United States history."

This war is a complete disaster. We attacked Iraq on false pretenses. Iraq was not a threat to us. Our U.S. soldiers have died unneccessarily and we are less safe from terrorism than we were before we invaded. We have created a breeding ground for terrorism..
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7460-2005Jan13.html

Also, the U.S. military intervention has caused the deaths of nearly 63,000 civilians...
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/

George Bush f***ed up BIG TIME.

Answer 5

I strongly disagree with any kind of bloody wars, but I agree and love wars that happened on a chessboard.

Answer 6

Instead of deterring terrorism is has only served to incite it.

Answer 7

It was needed. However, it would have been better to take out Iran first. Furthermore, we should have learned from Vietnam that PC wars don't work and that you must fight to win.

Answer 8

We should stay until free elections can not be outweighed by the ****'s that try to deture them...

Answer 9

stay the course and loosen the rules of engagement.

Answer 10

We're winning! This is the worst time to leave!