Why does the US never go after the truly threatening countries and remains allies with rogue nations?

Question

It surprises me that the US would go after Iraq when there are a lot of countries that are much bigger threats to US security, such as North Korea and Iran. Saddam Hussein was just minding his own business in Iraq in 2003 when Bush decided to invade for no real reason, and yet Kimberly Jong-Il and Mahmoud Mahmasemamasamamakusanadinejad are off building nuclear weapons and the US doesn't do a thing. Not only that, the US is still allies with Saudi Arabia despite the fact that they have one of the worst human rights records on the planet. The Qur'an clearly states that there can be no compulsion in religion (Qur'an 2:256), and yet the Saudis refuse to let anyone practice any religion other than either Sunni or Shia Islam. I just don't get why the US invades countries that don't need to be invaded, doesn't invade countries that do need to be invaded, and remains allies with countries that do not uphold human rights. Can anyone shed any light on this issue?

Answer 1

Before taking any military action, US has to look at the consequences.

Iraq, being a small country without any contact with the Big 5 (US, China, Russia, UK, France) can be KO so easily. Iraq can't even touch the US aircraft carriers and can never reach US homeland. Consequences = minimal.

N Korea, a small country BUT is the strong ally of China. A military action against them will drag US for decades with China unofficially backing them up. Even if US manages to conquer N. Korea, China will not sit there and do nothing. They may threaten to declare war with US and US will definitely have to back off. Moreover, N Korea really plays their cards well. Up to certain extent, they do give face to US and willing to negotiate, not like Saddam. Saddam didn't know how to play with the cards he had. He didn't realise that these cards were given by the US as a final warning to him. He also didn't know that, in fact he had no card to play besides those given to him. He pushed the limit and ended US took back all the cards and KO him.

As for cases like N. Korea, you see, there is no point for US to fight with any of the Big 4 for such a "small" matter. Even if US manage to beat any of them with her advanced weapons, a few aircarft carriers will definitely be sunk, and at the last recourse, the Big 4 will start throwing nukes at US homeland. With such a large casualties, the President will definitely have to step down. Consequences = lose lose situation

As for Saudi Arabia, they are the strong allies of US. Will you smack your friends just because you don't like their unfair family practices?! Be sensible.

As for Iran, US is still observing. If Iran gets no real support from any of the Big 4, particularly Russia, you will see what US can do!

By the way, these small countries are no threat to US. The real threats are the BIG 4. Would you want US to have war with them? If this happens, that will be the LAST world war and say good bye to our beloved Mother Earth before nukes tear it apart.

Answer 2

I feel exactly the same but can't really answer except for the fact that its the oil. Cut off the oil supplies and the US will definitely invade them under one pretext or another. N. Korea got nothing of interest to the US nor are the African nations of any potential value. I can only surmise that the present govt. of the USA cheated and lied their way to the White House, amassed vast personal fortunes in arms sales and restructuring Iraq, all this at the expense and deaths of the American people not counting the deaths of the Iraqis. I know this is not what the American ppl wanted but it is a fact and hope one day these traitors will be brought to a court for sending fellow americans to their deaths for personal interests. Despicable is the only word to describe them.

Answer 3

It supposedly boils down to what we are TOLD is "American interests" !! That usually can be assumed (yeah, I know the cute little phrase about "assuming") that this has to do with "Business" --NOT just tactical and security garbage !!

North Korea is just too near and related TO China for much involvement THERE without the Chinese "interests" being stepped on -- and the Saudi "thing" is a marriage of "convienience" over the Faad family and the "oil deals" !!!
So -- it seems that at least SOME of our "principles" are for SALE --- huh ?? Of major interest to ME in the view of Saudi / American "relationship" --- is the fact that Iraq was of FAR more threat TO the Saudi's than to any "interests" of the USA --- we took the Sadaam regime down -- and took out the biggest problem the Saudi's had within the region at VAST expense to us (that is continuing to this day and into bleeding forever) --- and, they not only never helped with a freaking thing --- they paid us back for our efforts --- with much higher oil prices and higher "at the pump" charges --- ain't THAT grand !!!!

And, don't even get me started about the Iraq deal --- this one was a Bush agenda from the minute he took office --- WAY before the 9 / 11 "attacks" !!

So, politics not only makes "strange bedfellows" sometimes it creates a genuine "orgy" of debauchery !!!

Answer 4

Two thoughts come to mind.

The first is that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. We have used this philosophy all too often and it constantly comes back to bite us in the hindquarters.
The second is that we are not really going after the threats, but rather advancing our own interests.

The reason Iraq happened is very simple. The sanctions against Iraq were going to be lifted. When this happened Saddam had announced that he would begin to sell oil in Euros on the world market. The dollar is based on Petro dollars. In order to maintain our economy and the strength of the dollar this just could not be allowed to happen.

Here's a rule of thumb to use that will rarely fail you. If you want to know why anything happens the way it does in the world. Follow the money!

Answer 5

the US (on the grounds that WWII) has used its greater appropriate armed forces capability and the prospect of stress to win strategic benefit over all different countries interior the international. the US believes that it has the final to make the main easily each and every person and components on the face of the earth. There are actually not any countries stable sufficient to stand up against the US armed forces as we talk. at present, the US extra the thought of a "preventative" conflict, meaning, the smart and visionary management of the US can see into the destiny and stay clean of destruction on the palms of a rustic like Iraq. This concept, if utilized extremely to all countries could effect in justified assaults against the US. This concept is remarkable and that's against UN doctrine. (i've got self belief it relatively is the thought you had meant to point.) The "preemption doctrine" is nice with the UN. if the missiles are flying, you are able to legitimately shield your self. The mass media (no longer the information superhighway at this factor) is an effectual propaganda piece for large business enterprise, particular hobbies, and the government. Please turn off your television and radio exhibits. it's time to pay interest on what's occurring interior the international.

Answer 6

I think PP hit the nail on the head. While N. Korea really can't hurt America you bring China in the mix and we have problems. You attack the real perpetrators of 9/11 Saudi Arabia and you have not seen an oil crisis like that would cause. However, Iraq is by itself (sure it might have Iran and Syria, but please).

Like I have said before it is far easier to attack a smaller foe and be guaranteed victory (although how you define victory is beyond me) than to attack a stronger foe.

Answer 7

You received two very good answers to your question from Bryan and Larry (above). If people could only see how this administration has used our troops and deceived us! This war is a perfect example of the expression "follow the money".

Answer 8

FOLLOW THE MONEY.
(& sometimes it's personal relations/reasons)

You're right . It makes no sense .
Don't forget all our wonderful friends in the 'stan countries .;D The Gitmo Kangaroo Court seems to have been modeled after the
court system in Tajikistan . ( or Kafka)

Answer 9

germany and japan were threatening iraq was not so i partially agree with ya.

Answer 10

Do not think too much about it... or you will become a liberal and an outcast....

but if you take the red pill you will struggle and it will hurt, but you will be alive....