Do Americans not realize how high the stakes are in Iraq?

Question

Most Americans view it as a no-win scenario: if we pull out, civil war, possibly genocide, probably a safe haven for Al-Qaeda will ensue; but if we stay, there is nothing for us to gain. I submit that what is at risk is actually much higher than that. The entire Islamic and Arabic world is watching Iraq right now.

If we pull out, they will see western democracy as having been tested and having failed. They will see that America carelessly occupied a country, and then abandoned it to civil war. Al-Qaeda may gain tremendous strength in the nation, and set the war on terror far back.

If we stay, perhaps another four years, and Iraq slowly gains more stability, western democracy in the Middle East will have passed an incredible test, and provide a shining example to the world. Al-Qaeda will have lost its mission to destablize the country, and we will have another strong ally in the region.

This is a battle of ideals, folks, and the world is watching. It is no time to back down.

Iraq is not beyond saving; we have not lost yet. It's just that we haven't won yet. The Iraqi government is trying; their power and probably their lives depend on their succeeding. Of course it is a hard fight, a hard transition. But they're still trying, and they haven't failed yet. Two major groups have just ended their boycotts of parliment; Maliki has called for the vacation to be shortened or canceled. If Iraqi government does fail, it will be very obvious.

Let me also just say that I understand completely that there is no military solution. But plainly we have to keep our military there long enough to enable any political, diplomatic solution.

Oh, and here's what people in power are advising:

Generals and Iraqi politicians (those actually involved with fighting the war, militarily and politically)-- "Don't pull out!" This is all over the headlines recently. They are asking for more time. Let's give it to them.

American politcians (majority in Congress) -- "Pull out!" Why should the American people listen to these career politicians who are trying to win votes instead of the people who actually know what's going on and what needs to be done?

Thank you, THE AMERICAN: that's one less 'additional details' for me to write. Just read his answer; he took the words right out of my mouth.

Malibu Canyon: you're right in that no nation has ever succeeded in removing a dictator and installing a democracy -- unless you look at Afganistan, which we just finished. Although it is still experiencing violence, I think it is safe to say that we have succesfully installed democracy there. The fact that this is unprecedented is what makes the stakes so high for us if we win. America is unprecedented; we don't want there land, we want to help them. This is our chance to prove it.

Answer 1

I agree, national pride and the military as well as Western Democracy cannot withstand another defeat. Our superpower status is already being contested by the Russian Federation, European Union, China, and India. It is not the American way to quit. In the Revolutionary War, the Continental Forces and Militia defeated a vastly superior force. Our generals believe we can win, so we should wait for their Fall report. If the current strategy doesn't work, it doesn't mean we should withdraw. It means we should change our strategy.

Answer 2

Where do you get "most Americans"?, it seems presently only the MORE intelligent are even registered to vote--or should I say the majority are not voting. They are happy not to have the time to watch any news.

Germany just got challenged having one hostage killed. Germany will always be more beautiful than the United States but we helped make it this way. I'm waiting to see them send over another five thousand troops and some equipment.

Many people do understand this war and Senator Clinton obviously does not, she put our troops unknowingly in more danger by demanding to know what is going on . Never thought for a minute her question would be answered.

After reading some good answers many people are expecting a faster result in this war ending. It won't take generation's now but for centuries there one brothers daugther would marry another brothers son. It will take awhile before they are as "fast paced" as we would like!

Answer 3

Read American history. There was a bloody Revolution which was started from within, the American Revolution. The Constitution followed years later and was a work in progress with important amendments added for decades. We had a Civil War here. It was very bloody. Women did not have the right to vote here until the 20th century.
What does our own experience tell us?
1.) "Democracy" must be pursued from within.
2.) A Constitution and associated liberties, such as ours, takes years, even decades, to develop and ratify and amend.
2.) Civil wars do occur and can last for years.

You don't just march into a foreign dictatorship nation and
install a "turnkey democracy". It simply isn't feasible without even getting into morality, etc.

According to a prominent historian whose interview I watched on PBS a while back, there has been no example in history of a foreign nation removing another nation's dictator and then installing a turnkey democracy in the newly "liberated" nation. Where democracy has resulted in such situations, it has taken decades, according to said historian.

If "democracy" is to take root in the Middle East or anywhere, it must be freely chosen by the people of the affected nations. That is, after all, the essence of democracy.

Answer 4

Either they don't understand or they want us to lose for whatever reason.

Embarrassing Bush, They hate America, The think 9/11 was a conspiracy.

I think the end result is the same. If we lose things will get bad really fast for everyone in the world.

Americans have had the luxury of not sacrificing for this war or any war since WW2 really. It has sheltered them from the greater evils in the world. ( I know some have lost family and many military members have been treated badly by the military, Unfortunately the military has become that way because of bureaucrats in Wash running things when they have no clue what being in the military is like.)

When they have to actually sacrifice something they will change their minds, but I fear it will be to late when they do and things will be way to bad for us to ignore and lots of innocent people will get hurt worse than they think now.

Answer 5

You are incorrect. America removed the Third Reich and installed a flourishing democracy in Germany. Same for Italy. And what about Japan. Here was a complete turnaround. A land led by an Emperor and now it is a democracy. Accomplishing this with Iraqis will be many times harder because these people do not seem to want a democracy. They never had one and don't seem to be geared for the installation of one. Their mind set is war, conversion to Islam, battle for power, oil, money, The Islamic law. The Islamic law and democracy do not go hand in hand. England, Australia and the USA have learned this lesson several years ago. So why are we still in Iraq? Bush doesn't want to capitulate. His damned Texas ego won't allow him to pull out. ....and Americans die.

Answer 6

You are wrong on several accounts but in particular the US will never been seen as a saviour in the Middle East. The people of Iraq are not stupid, they know the only reason we are there is for the oil gains, pure and simple. Democracy in Iraq is a pipe dream. The very nature of the Islamic religion and democracy are at complete opposite, the two would never co-exist. Why was Iraq stable under Saddam? Because he was a dictator who controlled the military and kept the tribal violence in check (and that is also why there was no Al Queda in Iraq under Saddam, he would never have shared the power with any other group). I am afraid that is what will be needed again before we see any kind of stable government in Iraq.

Answer 7

You are wrong if we stay there 50 years the thing that will change is there will be no more solders to send and they still win.This is an an winnable war or whatever you choose to call it.Its not about democracy in the far east its about changing a whole culture.They have had many wars,civil and religious for THOUSANDS of years,With them its not people ideas its their religion is not separate from the person.You either are or you are the enemy,Our government could not comprehend this or did not.They kill their people for changing religion what do you think you can do? Nothing.I think now that it has finally sunk in,even the President sees but cannot back down,he will leave that for the next pres.bragging on how well he did.I have seen alot of people bash Clinton for not involving us IN this conflict at least he had enough sense to see,actually see what could or would happen.Thank God there are some men still out there with reasoning.You think its cowardly to back down,well not always sometimes its the only thing to do.

Answer 8

the sooner we realize democracy is NOT for everyone the better it will be
Iraq was invaded for OIL
greed runs the white house now
1/2 of America doesn't believe in democracy---why do I say that? because 1/2 do NOT VOTE or take any civic responsibility for the democracy they have. so how can we expect others to embrace what we as a nation do not?
if we stay we lose OUR soldiers and give them MARTYRS
we should have NEVER started the invasion....why did we go to war anyway?
....9/11
....WMD's


oh yeah that's right...OIL
and how did Saddam get control of Iraq? the US put him in power and suddenly the US wants him out of power.....

I guess that is how Washington views it
the lord(USA) gives and the lord(USA) takes away
pulling out is the only option when we should have never been there to begin with-yes we will be condemned by the world at the devastation we have wrought-as we should be

Answer 9

This seems to be bigger than just saving American, Iraqi lives. We are talking about saving any human beings life that is threatened, be it here in Iraq, Britain, Spain, Russia, etc.. It a lot bigger than anyone realizes. If we do pull out i think everyone will see it as the demise of the last super power.

Answer 10

If the government in Iraq is working so hard, then why are they in recces right now? The civil war is already in progress. The points that you make are somewhat valid but hardly believable. Here is something you might think about. Remember back in the days before the US invaded? There was no sectarian violence, and no AL-Qaeda in Iraq. That tells me that Saddam might have been a better leader than Bush. Kinda makes you go HUMMMMM don't it?