Why are we (america) in Iraq fighting a war that is totally pointless rather than in Africa helping them?

Question

You know, people aren't over there to help the people from the dictatorship, they are over there just so we can protect our profits and such. I honestly think that we should be helping them somewhere in africa where 20, 000 people a day are getting murdered.

Answer 1

Going into Africa would be even more pointless then killing thousands of people and spending hundreds of billions of dollars we don't have for the sake of a luxury industry. If less morally detestable.

Answer 2

Iraq is a case of two wrongs do not make a right. It was a mistake to go in but it would be a strategic mistake of epic proportions to leave now. We leave and Iran will by proxy gain control of Iraq's oil and with that be able to control the worlds economy. Once that is established a rogue regime that has threatened to kill millions will possess the most poweful weapons in history and hold the world hostege.
I will assume you are talking about Dar Fur. The American military is already spread way to thin and it is apparent that most of Europe after the horrors of two wars in the 20th centuary lacks the will to fight. The only logical way we could help the people of that region is to employ mercs, basically blackwater to take the fight to the genocidal manics over there, and secure the villages for relief in the form of food, medicine, and water to arrive.

Answer 3

Is one war not enough for you? On two major fronts, I might add. How can someone be against the war in Iraq and WANT to go to Africa and get involved in another bloody mess.

I agree that we shouldn't be the world's policemen. Let them take care of themselves. Iraq didn't invite us and neither did Africa. Let's keep out of other people's affairs.

We go to Africa and they'll stop killing each other only to kill us. If you're not in the military, how about not promoting more wars. I would like to spend the holidays with my wife one of these years.

Answer 4

Why is America out there "helping"anyone? I think that minding your own business is always the best policy. Everybody knows Iraq sucks, but Sudan or anywhere else would suck to. Nobody likes people meddling in their lives so the people in countries that the US polices would ever be supported. I think that the people in those countries do not have the same idea of what a nation is that westerners do so there will always be ideological issues. I have noticed that when a country minds its own business it usually is prosperous and rarely gets attacked.

Answer 5

It does not matter where anyone goes, or does not go, to try to help people in need. There will be a huge burden of criticism and conspiracy theories regarding alleged ulterior motives for being there.

Further, America does not have the wealth or the power to be world policeman everywhere, but must pick and choose where to go based on ability to build a coalition, and perception of national interests.

America is giving massive aid to Africa. It is just not in the form of an army over there.

Answer 6

I wouldn't assume that the prime motive is to protect profits, how can you TRULY know the person unless you are them.

Saddam was a loose cannon, he was threatening Israel (our ally, and America helps its allies) and was generally not a good person to have as a dictator in control of the weapons that he did.

The other reason that we aren't attacking those African nations is that it will increase the problem there, war brings destruction, and it will only increase the numbers. This does not mean that we should never fight wars, for those who are not willing to stand up and put their life at risk and die are doomed to lose any amount of freedom they think that they have.

Answer 7

things are really not that simple.

america went into iraq for two reasons; to overthrow saddam before he could get his hands on wmds, and to protect the oil supplies.

america's armed forces are stretched thinly enough as it is, so sending another coalition to Africa is really not an option.

of course, there is also the public to think of. saddam and afghanistan are threats to national secutiry. there are people there who hate americans and the american way of life, and these people are actually capable of doing something about their hate. so, it is perfectly logical that americans have to defuse the threat to national security. we can live with our boys dying to protect their country, and that tolerance is already wearing thin. how would you like to see your brother or lover die for people in africa who probably would not even appreciate the help that is being given to them?

Answer 8

This war is not totally pointless because of Iraqs influence towards us and the middle east. Those Africans getting killed mean nothing to us. Historically interventions in genecides turn out bad. You really need to study this situation before you talk.

Answer 9

Are you supporting the violent overthrow of the Islamic government of Sudan? Or do you think we should prop up a government killing thousands of Christians?

Do you think we should retreat from Al-Qaeda in Iraq to crusade into Africa and await them there? Or are you hoping they'll show up in the US?

Considering that we have to choose our battles, do you think it wise to choose a battle of civil war where we have no national interest?

Considering that the average Iraqi is appreciative of our efforts and that the government of Sudan has expressed their desire that we stay out, do you really think it wise we go there?

Answer 10

It's not pointless and we are helping the people in Iraq. We also have soldiers based in the Horn of Africa, they just don't get the attention they deserve because everyone is too busy bashing Iraq.