Iraq: are two mistakes better than one?

Question

Let's just assume, for the sake of argument, that the decision to go into Iraq was wrong, and that the only reason al Qaeda is there is because of our actions. Just for this question, assume it. That way no discussion of the past is relevant.

But today we are faced with this situation: al Qaeda is in Iraq NOW. We are fighting them there NOW. American policy is to fight them and deny them a base of operations. They are stirring up existing sectarian hatreds to create chaos and get the US to leave.

We can fight them, as we and they are engaged there right now, and demonstrate to the Iraqis that we are committed to helping the government. Already the perception of our increased commitment is resulting in some Iraqi leaders withdrawing support for the sectarian militias and looking to the central government for protection. We can take lemons and make lemonade, if you will.

Or we can withdraw.

(continued)

If we leave, maybe al Qaeda will leave too, some say. Or, it's just a civil war and there's nothing we can do about it. Or, al Qaeda is not powerful enough to attack us again and/or we should just withdraw and defend our own borders. or, if we are attacked again, it will be Bush's fault for "giving" al Qaeda a base in Iraq.

I disagree with all of these arguments for withdrawal. But I think I've covered them all. Including the apparently unstated (and perhaps unrealized) rationale of some that since going in was a mistake no good can come from it, and that those who ordered the operation must be punished even if the US is damaged in the process. In other words, two mistakes are better than one.

So which is it? Or did I miss something?

I support the operation, although no one says no mistakes have been made.

Curtis, I'm pretty much on your side!

Jasmine, i don't know how to spell it either. :)

PS If we pull our troops out of Iraq and "Bush's war" there and get them "back to the job of fighting al Qaeda" as many war opponents have suggested, wouldn't we just be sending them . . . right back to Iraq? Why not save the round-trip ticket? Or, is fighting them no longer our policy?

Did Afghanistan invite us in to fight al Qaeda? I think we went even without one - I don't remember. Interesting.

Evan B - I believe that allowing Iraq to be come a "safe zone' for terrorists because people feel Bush's decision to go in was wrong would be cutting off America's nose to spite Bush's face.

If we sould not go into Iraq under the present circumstances, when would we EVER go in? I fear that the answer for some would be "not until a Democrat is president."

Answer 1

We need to finish it and make sure the Iraq government is stable. If the government falls then everything we've done will have been for nothing. The result will be worse than Saddam

I've also heard reports that the insurgents might be turning on Al-Qaeda. That they disagree with the murdering of large amounts of civilians and the radical Islamic religious political views.

*And how do you spell Al-Qaeda? Depending on your source it's spelled 4 different ways (argh)

Answer 2

First off, it isn't a civil war. You have Iranian and Syrian agents in Iraq doing the attacks, not Iraqis. Secondly, morale is still high among servicemembers, even with the extensions. Some people will die, that is what happens in war, but the numbers of deaths are miniscule compared to Vietnam, Korea, or World War II. And until you show me proof that you were at the non-existant anti-war rallies when Clinton sent us to Bosnia, Haiti, Somalia, the Ivory Coast, and yes, Iraq, then you need to shut up. Play your petty politics with the environment or abortion, but leave our security alone.

Answer 3

I don't think we should've gone there to begin with, and I can understand why some would argue that would should clean up the mess we have made. However, I'm wondering if it is at all possible to clean up our mess. Not only that, but it's been said that most Iraqis actually want us to leave, so I wonder if we should just give them what they want and let everyone duke it out without us.

Answer 4

The Iraqi people want us to leave. The American people want us to leave. I'm not going to advocate staying just because terrorists also want us to leave. That would be cutting off my nose to spite my face.

Answer 5

It is no longer our choice. There is a civil war going on. Neither side wants us to be there. How many more deaths and amputations do you want?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u794cJ_u6BU

Answer 6

How many more Americans should die and how many more hundreds of billions of dollars are you willing to sacrifice for your mistake?