How many of you experts on Iraq have actually been there?

Question

And before you ask.... Yes, I have. I certainly dont consider myself an expert on the subject.

I think its odd how people can watch 5 minutes of CNN (or Al Jazera) and suddenly feel they have a complete understanding of what is going on in Iraq. Anyone else understand my frustration?

BRAND NEW ACCOUNT- I didnt ask about the President, I asked the users here on this forum. Im tired of hearing how my efforts were in vain and that we LOST this war.

RRRIDVE- Ive read books on Jupiter but never been there. Is this the same? No offense, Im just really tired of these flag burning leftist morons on here that pretend to know WTF is going on.

BUSH MISSED HIS FLAG- Sure you would... We all hear that from all the BRAVE liberals on this site. Heres a better idea, let the Republicans handle the security of this nation and you flag burners can sit around and complain about how we do it. You can all smoke your weed, sing songs, burn the flag, whatever you want to do. Just stand your candy a$$ aside and let us deal with it. mkay? Thanks.....

Answer 1

I sure understand your frustration. I was very frustrated upon returning from Vietnam. Seems every leftist in America was an expert on Vietnam.

Answer 2

You don't have to have been there to be an expert on the politics and history of Iraq and the whole region. Going there in person helps, but you can read books, look at maps,, and talk to people who are or were there.

In fact, I think in some cases people who have been there might have certain biases that would taint there views on this subject, which requires a balanced and dispassionate perspective.

Answer 3

No I havent but I do look at history and I know the region itself has been troubled for over 1600 years because of the Shiite vs Sunny deal and Iraq is a recognized country for only about 70 years...

Answer 4

I read & watch everything I can get my hands on about Iraq.
No expert but after dozens of talks with our brave soldiers, I can understand the frustation & sympthazie with you.
My Son like you is a hero & serves his country as your oathes require. I am proud of you both & believe the war is going much better than the liberal press or blogs want to believe.

CNN makes no one an expert. God bless you for your service. Have patience with fools.

Answer 5

Funny you should ask, since intelligence agencies that had eyes and ears on the ground in Iraq told Bush/Cheney that the war wouldn't be the "cake walk" PNAC envisioned.

Bush Cheney went ahead, overruled the experts and ordered the attack anyway, even though he had never been to Iraq.

Answer 6

Yes I understand your frustration, and I'd like to know why people think they can watch Fox news and know anything about the world we live in at all.

I have never been there but I read alot of articles and authors works who have been there. And, many of them are also soldiers who are against this war and report back on what is going on and what isn't. Wolf Blitzer is no journalist, he's a corporate salesmen as are all the people in televisionland 'news' rooms.

Answer 7

I do not understand your frustration with people on these boards. Maybe you should post a link...

I think we are allowed to have an opinion about the war, and I think we can support the troops' efforts, regardless of how we feel about the invasion initially.

Answer 8

Ive been there but definitely don't consider myself a expert

Answer 9

I have never been there but i do have some knowledge of it
you say you have been there so whats it like seeing your friends turn in to hamburger mince
No one alive has ever meet Jesus Christ but they read 1 book and you think there experts

Answer 10

I've said this many times before. The American public has no idea what's going in Iraq, unless they have been there or work for military intelligence.