A selection of our reader comments is provided below. We believe these statements are particularly relevant to our core question "Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?" |
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POSITIVE FEEDBACK 4/13/08 - "Great site. keep up the good work. Love it! Its great for accurate realistic information." Luke 4/13/08
NEUTRAL 12/10/07 - "The majority of Americans supported the attack of Iraq -2003. However the American people had no idea that our President and the spineless Congress, would approve of a Constitution for Iraq (& Afghanistan) which entirely ignores our cherished principle of 'freedom of religion' for the benefit of those vanquished peoples, and instead ok'd the so-called 'Islamic Republics' (where no 'religious liberty' exists), which has prompted the insurection and sectarian civil war. Our men must not be dying for principles we do not hold as a nation!" Donald 12/10/07
NEUTRAL 9/11/07 - "For those of us who have always wondered about the real reason for the invasion of Iraq...a little observed short passage in General Petraeus' statement under strategic recommendations implies the real intentions underlying the operation: "Iraqi leaders .... although, as they recently announced, they do desire continued presence of coalition forces in Iraq in 2008 under a new UN Security Council Resolution and, following that,they want to negotiate a new long term security agreement with the United States and other nations." Now it becomes clear why it was so important to have regime change in Baghdad. A new regime, amenable to the larger security interests in the region...And, of course, US forward bases in Iraq (or Kurdistan) to prevent mischief. Within the new CENTO the Arab-Israeli conflict could be defused. Obviously, Saddam and his military had to be removed/replaced.
It now all makes sense, except for the abominable bungling of the operation. Can the idea still be saved? Obviously the Administration believes so. Can the Iraqis be prevailed upon to embrace the idea? That's the issue."
PRO 8/22/07 - "Hello from Canada: I am always surprised that NOBODY ever mentions one of the best reasons for removing Saddam Hussein from power. Not only that, but this wasn't part of the charges against him when he was tried. I am speaking about the worst deliberate environmental disaster in history, the destruction of the oil wells of Kuwait. For some reason, it's like everyone has forgotten about it. You don't even mention it on your website. Why? This was definitely a criminal act of the highest order, which was major grounds for destroying his regime. Anyone capable of such insane actions is a threat. But George Bush and his people didn't capitalize on this, instead used the 'weapons of mass destruction' excuse. The United States has gotten into a serious problem in Iraq, but mostly because of incredibly bad leadership from the worst President in American history. Nothing positive can happen until Bush leaves office." Paul 8/22/07
CON 7/30/07 - "According to the Final Judgment at Nuremberg, a ruling that has provided all succeeding generations with the classic pronouncement on the illegality of aggressive war: 'War is essentially an evil thing. Its consequences are not confined to the belligerent states alone, but affect the whole world. To initiate a war of aggression, therefore, is not only an international crime, it is the supreme international crime in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.'
So those who are responsible for initiating the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq are guilty of the supreme international crime and must be arrested and tried for this crime."
PRO 7/5/07 - "The question is a misleading question, presuming that Iraq was minding its own business, doing nothing to warrant the US attention on this nation. However, since Iraq did attract our attention by invading Kuwait (I don't remember anyone beside President Bush being upset about that) and we responded to Iraq's invasion by going into Kuwait and kicking Iraq out and since we had to stay in the area to monitor Iraq to make sure they would not aggress on their neighbors again, AND since Iraq continued a war they signed a treaty to and thereby supposedly ending, the United States was entirely correct to go in and depose Saddam Hussein from power. And, though this question was not asked, I say, by extension, if the current president thinks it prudent, we should invade Iran AND Syria, before they start their inevitable war against Israel." Robert 7/5/07
CON 6/28/07 - "The war on Iraq was based on lies. UN inspection teams, one of which was headed by Scott Ritter,had determined that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction...The offensive carried out by an insufficient number of troops, who were sent into battle with inadequate supplies, e.g., body armor and poorly armored personnel carriers. (recall Rumsfeld's 'You fight with what you have!'), the execrable treatment of prisoners in Abu Ghraib, the useless sacrifice of US troops whose deaths now number close to 4,000, not to mention the killing of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, show that the Bush Administration has been operating on the basis of and promoting a venomous mythology...
The civil war now being waged in Iraq can only be solved by the Iraqis themselves. Though we were instrumental in creating this 'failed state,' US presence only fosters its continuation. President Bush and Vice-President Cheney should be impeached for their heartless, conscienceless, heinous behavior and lies that have lead to so much suffering and death."
CON 5/29/07 - "The war in Iraq is wrong. Our soldiers have and will continue to die and be maimed. Supposedly, I have learned from the Vietnam War-but have not had the courage to speak out. Vietnam is just beneath the surface of this war. I am unable to support a war when I believe it is wrong. Ultimately, the draft ended the Vietnam war. It was the catalyst and the driving force. The war in Iraq does not have this safety valve. Therefore, I voted to end our war but nothing has changed."
PRO 5/7/07 - "Pro-Con - Irrelevant! We are IN a war, so to discuss if/why is irrelevant. Our job now is to win - not settle for less. The real problem for our troops is (or rather are) the "Rules of Engagement". If we take fire from a Mosque, the answer is simple - level the Mosque! This is not Vietnam (of which I am a veteran - incountry 1970) and we are suffering casualties at a rate that is unacceptable - especially the kinds of casualties. War is not glorious (in spite of what some people say or think) - it is brutal, violent, and horendous. We didn't ask for this war - 9/11 was the final straw - but we are in it now and so we should do what it takes to win. I am tired of the liberal BS that tries to make me and my fellow citizens that we should somehow be tolerant and think kindly towards the terrorists. Enough!"
PRO 4/10/07 - "I believe that the U.S. had no choice but to go back into Iraq and remove Sadaam Hussien. Progress is being made...I believe that we are making progress and believe we need to give the new general a chance to succeed. It cannot be stay the course as it has been. Changes do need to be made to win this war and I think those changes are being made and progress is also being made. I just saw a CNN report about the anti-american war protest. However no mention was made of the Pro-US movement that went on at the same time. We as observers are not getting the whole story from either the press or the media the majority of the time...I also believe that a timetable should be set with the understanding that this is a war and the timetable needs to be flexible as many unexpected things happen during a war....The Iraqi's need to take over their own situation but they also have to be prepared to do that."
CON 01/30/07 - "Congress has the power to declare war, not the President! Congress abdicated its responsibility in granting the President a conditional declaration of war. I was on record that we were violating the intent of the U.S. Constitution, that we needed more people in Congress who would not cave in to pressure from the administration to give our President this kind of authority, that it is improper for any President to ask Congress for war authority in order to strengthen his hand in negotiations, that all we had to do was hold up the Constitution and say "No! We can't do it," and this was not being unpatriotic in the face of an election. I was angry then, and I am beyond angry today.
Today's current police action in Iraq is a monumental disaster; we need to extricate ourselves as soon as possible. Moreover, it is abundantly clear that we are not in Iraq for the benefit of the Iraq citizens, of whom we've killed hundreds of thousands, but primarily for our oil companies to be in position to exploit a ruinous situation for exorbitant profits and the lion's share of oil out of Iraq."
CON 12/15/06 - "I do not think the US should have attacked Iraq. It was illegal to do so. The Bush administration ignored advice from numerous world leaders not to invade and to give the UN more time to explore options for compliance with resolutions. The ignorance of the Bush administration about the Middle East and the mentality of the people was obvious from the start. I believe it was the desire of George W. Bush to get Iraq's oil and he asked his staff to find an excuse to invade. Iraq was never a "real" threat to the US and there was no justifiable reason except what was contrived as WMD's. The decision to invade has cost thousands of lives and George W. Bush should be held accountable. It is a war he cannot win and his refusal to admit his failure and mistakes will cost many more lives before it is ended."
PRO 11/28/06 - "I am only 13 but i have lots of feelings for the war in Iraq. I am a Republican, and am for the war. I have talked to many people in the war or that have already been in and have left and noticed that about all of them joined to go to the war. If people are willing to fight for our country, good for them that's what makes America so strong because we fight for what we believe in. I think people have also forgot about 9/11. Iraq, and Iran brought this upon themselves by blowing up our twin towers, and crashing an airplane and killing many people in Pennsylvania, those people need to understand that we're fighting to keep them safe."
PRO 11/14/06 - "I fully support our President and our troops. I think we have every reason to believe that the Taliban and Iraq in whole is a serious threat to the United States, as clearly demonstrated on 9-11. We need to cut the crap and get things done quickly so that our troops can come home!"
CON 10/28/06 - "Iraq under Saddam was a moderate and pro-western country with freedom of religion and very safe day and night for the citizens and the foreign workers. Now it is the center of religious fighting. Extremist religious groups have taken the power, Christians are under permanent danger, women are forced to cover themselves, education has been destroyed, security doesn't exist, and the country has been invaded by foreign forces who have been killing and are killing thousands of Iraqi citizens. All the country infrastructures have been destroyed. And all this happened on the basis of Bush and Blair lies on the motives of the war. The international community should go after those two crooks and put them to trial for crimes against humanity."
CON 10/24/06 - "The idea of going into Iraq, in my opinion was foolhardy, arrogant, ill conceived, and misguided. I do not think belligerence ever settles or even proves anything. I feel we are more vulnerable now, and certainly less respected, and less loved than prior to the invasion of Iraq."
PRO 10/21/06 - "It was a tough but courageous decision to go into Iraq. The region is a mess and it sits on the majority of the world's oil surrounded by terrorists. Is there any doubt that eventually Saddam would find a way to get a nuclear weapon? Unlike North Korea that has been avoided. We now need to help them transition to self government. Sometimes you have to take one step backwards before you can take two steps forward. I don't like the war but what was the option? Containment was a pipe dream as North Korea and Al Qaeda has shown."
CON 10/20/06 - "This decision to attack Iraq was a colossal error of judgment made by president Bush and a few of his close friends (Cheney, Rumsfeld....) They bear an enormous responsibility towards the suffering of so many people, but what is worse is that they do not seem to realize it. A tragedy..."
CON 9/20/06 - "I am a soldier serving in the United States Army. I totally disagree with the war in Iraq. We have been there going on four years and have not showed any progress. What I hate is when the government goes to the media and paints this pretty picture like everything is so great over there. Ask someone who has been over there fighting what it's like and he would say it is pure hell. We are fighting a worthless fight. I speak for a lot of soldiers who have no say in the matter of pulling out of Iraq. I just want to know how many lives have to be taken before someone says enough is enough. So the four years of this madness is long enough. To tell you the truth I think Iraq was not the problem. I think it goes deeper than that. Maybe it's the oil. I don't know, but as a soldier who is fighting the war I would like to know what is the real reason that we are fighting."
CON 9/15/06 - "The US should not have attacked Iraq. In doing so it has lost any claim to be 'leader of the free world'. Any sympathy felt for the US after 9/11 has been wasted on this foolish and destructive venture. Bush's posturings at the recent memorials for the victims of 9/11 seemed shallow and hypocritical when viewed against the killing of thousands of Iraqi civilians, to say nothing of the thousands of US troops who have also died there for such a dubious cause."
CON 8/6/06 - "The USA should have never attacked Iraq or to that matter any other country as the USA does not understand the cultural or religious related problems in these countries."
CON 6/26/06 - "Considering the staggering actual cost to the US treasury and economy, not mentioning the scarce resources expended by its allies, and the death and destructions it caused to the Iraqis and their economy, i think it was a grave and horrible misjudgment of a raging bull."
PRO 4/20/06 - "I believe there is another justifying factor for the invasion of Iraq: the fact that we aided Saddam in the past makes me feel morally obliged to aid those that had to suffer under his tyranny so that our strategic interests could be advanced."
CON 4/7/06 - "I believe the decision to invade Iraq was predetermined long before 9/11. It's clear to me the war was a foregone conclusion before Bush stole the election. I believe Bush and his cabinet members lied repeatedly to the American people, and opposing or moderate voices were ignored or silenced. They were able to do this by controlling a large part of the media. They also shamelessly exploited 9/11 for their own agendas. They made Americans believe Saddam Hussein and the Iraqis were responsible for the attacks and that more were coming. Anyone who disagreed was branded a traitor, or possible terrorist themselves. This allowed them to strip us of many of our basic civil liberties in the guise of the so-called Patriot Act. I say if we have become a government controlled society without our civil liberties and the basic protections of a Democracy, then, hey, the terrorists that 'envy our way of life and want to destroy it' have already won, haven't they?"
PRO 3/29/06 - "The invasion of Iraq was never about WMD. Before the invasion, any five year old boy could tell that it was not about WMD. It was about removing Saddam and freeing the people of Iraq. WMD was PR to get the other pacifist countries to go along. The removal of Saddam was something Congress approved during Clinton's presidency. For how long did the UN inspectors have to cat and mouse with Saddam, since their work started after the first Gulf war in 1991? This cat and mouse can go on and on and on, forever. Who's headache is this? Obviously it is Uncle Sam and the UK. Why? Because the Russians, Chinese, and French are not providing any aircraft or military vessels to patrol Iraq for any violations of UN security council resolutions, such as no-fly-zone, no-oil-trade, etc. Imagine if the US was not doing the UN's job of patrolling Iraq, then who else in the world would do it? The UN is a toothless body with no authority at all to enforce its own resolutions. If you have to spend your own money trying to police Saddam on behalf of the UN for over ten years and the beast is not going to change, then the police have no choice but to remove him."
PRO 3/22/06 - "We needed to go into Iraq and we need to stay until they can take care of their own future. Today about 6 were found tortured and killed. If we leave, the number of these killings will sky rocket. I wish the US news world would give honest and true reporting, not like they are. What about all of the vast improvements in the lives of the people of Iraq: water, electric, schools opening etc.? We never hear about that in the mainstream news. I don't feel we will ever get the true story out of the mainstream media as they do everything to skew the news to suit their liberal ideas. They should be politically neutral. They should be ashamed of how they are so dishonest."
CON 2/26/06 - "I at first agreed that we should get Sadamm out, but we should not have agreed to stay. Our soldiers are dying for a country that for the most part want us out. I am sick and tired of hearing when more of our soldiers are killed. i have a son that joined the Marines, and I, like many other parents, will not accept something happening to my son. We need to support our troops, but the best support would be, and needs to be, to bring them 'home' 'now'."
PRO 1/29/06 - "The U.S. should have attacked Iraq long before they did. And we should keep attacking them, and attacking them until they come to realize that we are Americans dedicated to the principles that made our country free."
CON 12/09/05 - "I do not believe that the U.S. should be in Iraq for any reason. I truly believe that the reason we are there now is because the current president was determined to finish what his father could not. He would have done anything to achieve the capture of Saddam. We have lost lives of innocent men and women for absolutely no reason. Iraq was not responsible for 9/11- this has been proven - and there were no WMD. The country of Iraq has been devastated along with our economy and our government."
CON 11/10/05 - "In the beginning I was in support of the war, but now all I see are families torn apart...the army is taking the brunt of this war. Their deployments are one year...imagine losing one whole year with the one you love. Even the best relationships do not even survive. I do not agree with Bush any longer. He is tearing families apart instead of making them stronger. He is supposed to be a man of family morals. I have no problems with being supportive of my man in the military. I am very proud of him. However...how in the hell do they expect us to be without one another for an entire year? Why not 6 months? I do not understand...this war untied us in the beginning but now all that it is doing is tearing us apart. Lets end this...we have done all we can for Iraq...they need to step out."
CON 11/10/05 - "The US should never have invaded Iraq without the UN. The weapons of mass Destruction information should be investigated and Tony Blair and George Bush held accountable."
CON 10/21/05 - "The USA and with support of the UK have engaged in a illeagle war on the nation of Iraq for securing self interest in oil,the UN inspectors had and continued to search for weapons of mass destruction and if required to have carried on with this work.
the result in Iraq is to have created a lawless state and breeding ground for terrorist groups fuelled by people seeking revenge and aliating further the islamic world for future generations.How many Iraq people military or civilian have been killed maimed for this 'christian oil crusade' how much money has been spent on the utter destruction of this countrty.Like many similar Asian states made up of warring groups held together by a hard regime who gave us the right to attack and destroy this country and then we are surprised as we see total anarchy and our solution is to had out voting cards.The Usa and Uk governments coerced the UN by threats of withdrawal of aid and support to other countries to gain the votes they required.These are criminal acts which should be prosecuted and exposed to the world with those responsible jailed as a warning to future governments and leaders."
PRO 10/17/05 - "The war against islamofascist is occuring and being won on several fronts in Iraq: The hot war is being taken to them; The hearts and minds of the common people are being convinced by what they are seeing of the stupidity of the suicde bombers; and the people are voting to change the politcal landscape thanks to President Bush and PM Blairs courage.
This is a worthwhile yet long process. I hope America can keep its resolve."
CON 10/11/05 - "I am a former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps (64-72) and a Vietnam Veteran (68-69). My attitude during my tour in Vietnam was much like the Marines serving today in Iraq, i.e. dedicated to God, Country, and the Marine Corps. The reality of it was that we were all scared...and doing all we could to stay alive while protecting each other from harm. Every step we took in the jungles of Vietnam was one step closer to death. My point is, as in Iraq, it is a kill or be killed mentality instilled in us thru our training. And, 'innocent' people will be killed. That is a matter of fact. I have no regrets or nightmares over my actions in Vietnam. It actually became a game...fun, after a while...after my first kill. This is the point that former Marine, Staff Sergeant Massey, is making in his book Kill Kill Kill, published in Paris, France. And, Massey is absolutely right.
I totally support the immediate removal of all U.S. Troops out of Iraq. However, we still have a job to complete in Afghanistan, a job that should have and could have been finished by now had we not invaded Iraq to satisfy the ego's of Bush and Chaney."
CON 10/10/05 - "I was once a great friend of the USA, but the aggression now exercised on defenseless people in Iraq and elsewhere US Military dominated areas have lead me to believe strongly that the U.S. with its strong military ideas and its brainwashing of ordinary Americans into believing in the invincibility of the U.S. is very like the feelings that Hitler's Germany believed in 1939 -- Many now look on the USA as the new Germany.
I am an 83 year old ex Marine commando of WW2 and have all my marbles intact."
CON 09/30/05 - "I am a retired US Army SF soldier now working at Balad, Iraq for 14 months as a contractor supporting the military mission at Camp Anaconda. I protested against going to Kuwait and fighting for the Royal families. I protested against the US going to Iraq without substantial UN support and I wasn't fooled by the sales pitch to the UN cooked up by the present administration. However, now that we are here I strongly believe that we should stay the course and give the Iraqis a chance for freedom. Do I think that it will succeed? No, because I am a realist and I know the powerful influence that religion has on the people in the Middle East and I know that all religions basically believe in one way, their way. Brainwashing religious leaders are willing to sacrifice the last man or child standing (women don't count over here) to gain power because they don't want peace more than they want power. Yesterday just outside my camp in the town of Balad I hear that over 102 civilians were killed and 154 wounded in three car bombings. How can we walk away now and leave any human beings at the mercy of these cold blooded brainwashed terrorists? I cannot. I will stay here for free if necessary to support them and our brave dedicated military. The time to raise our voices and protest against wars is before they start when protesting is unpopular, not after our brave young warriors have given up their lives for the cause of freedom and protesting war is and 'in' thing."
CON 09/18/05 - "No we should not have invaded Iraq. Saddam's primary war fighters were defeated in the first gulf war. he wansn't that much of a threat. The powers to be in Washington wanted to invade, so they did. Personally I think Washington saw a chance to make money for American Companies; so they sent poor people Kids (American Soldiers) to die for the cause. It happened to the previous generation because I had to go. Vietnam served no one any good except the PEOPLE who make money off of war. THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX!! AMERICAN OIL COMPANIES - HALLIBURTON & SUBSIDERIES INCLUDED. BUSH IS THEIR MAN!!!! SIGNED DISABLED VIETNAM VET!"
CON 09/16/05 - "The reason for the war in Iraq, simple WMD. Problem is there were never any. Having served in SADF (South African Army) I have had first had experience in Armed conflict from 1975 - 1988. People are dying buy there hundreds because 1 man got it wrong. My advise to the American public is to force G Bush to get out while the going is right. You will never win the war in Iraq. If a civil war breaks out and all the signs are there, US troops are going to come back in there thousands in body bags and for what. The sad part is that old GI Joe gets killed, leaves his young wife and kids with there lives destroyed for a name on a roll of honor and life goes on she remarries has more kids and old GI Joe becomes a distant memory. If the Iraqis landed on the beaches of America yes then I will be prepared to die but not for some short arse Texan whose life span in the white house is for another 4 years. Another thing remember the rest of the world really does not care how many GIs get killed. Just THINK about it."
CON 09/04/05 - "By invading Iraq in the way it has done, it is clear that the USA as the strongest nation in the world has now also become the greatest threat to world peace and stability. By choosing to use naked force in the same way as Saddam (tried in Iran) did in Kuwait, the people of the world really have cause to fear. The destruction of Iraq as is currently happening will predictably extract a price from the USA at some point in the future. The USA is terribly mistaken in the belief that the law of the jungle is the one best suited for the pursuit of her interest. This project will ultimately fail if history is anything to go by. It relies solely on the destruction and subjugation of all that do not agree or accept the American vision of the world."
PRO 08/27/05 - "We were right to eliminate a very terrible dictator in Iraq and destroy his regime. We were also right to do it without the UN as this body is so corrupt that it is incapable of following what is right. It either ignores what is wrong or takes so long to make decisions that they are meaningless or without consequence in effecting any kind of positive change. Look at Africa or the oil for food program. Either or both of these areas are enough to condemn the UN and it's procedures and actions. The UN needs to be overhauled and have big changes made if ever it is going to be effective as a world peace keeper."
CON 08/21/05 - "It is time for this president to answer to the American people and the world for lying to the American people in order to invade another country under false pretense. It is time for we, the people, to demand that this administration place a resolution before the U.N. to seek assistance from all countries to participate in resolving the problems created by this administration in adding security benefiting the Iraqi people under UN control and not of the occupying powers of this administration which is bound to fail in the short and long run.
Furthermore, it is time to call for the impeachment of George W. Bush for intentionally lying to the American people, by going to war for immoral reasons and purposes.
Now is the time to implement impeachment procedures, before more of our troops are placed in harms way for reasons George Bush has failed to explain. He has failed to justify why our soldiers should be maimed or killed. It appears that this administration’s main purpose is controlling the natural resources of Iraq."
CON 08/16/05 - "Many Americans see the war in Iraq as a part of the President’s 'War On Terror.' I see it through another lens. I see it as a monstrous act of ignorance. For me, every day of the war is a painful reminder that America made a terrible mistake when they elected this President. I know it to be true as I observe him and his neo conservative supporters trying but unable to grasp the religious complexities of the post Soviet era... I don’t think the President and his administration understand that Islam is not just another of the Abrahamic beliefs; it is a powerful God given inner conviction. It is the conviction that Jews and Christians—and all others—have little or no value in the mind of Allah. And, it is a conviction that western society has no value. Muslims the world over, including those in the United States, see Christian and Jewish Americans as corrupted human beings believing in corrupted scriptures and living corrupted lives."
CON 08/10/05 - "The Bush administration Neocons never should have invaded Iraq. There was no connection between 9/11 and Iraq/Saddam Hussain. The American people were lied to and mislead. Saddam was not even a threat to his neighbors after his country was defeated in the first Iraq war. The WMD and all the other numerous rationalizations have been proven to be false. The 2nd Bush started the war for oil and political advantage for him and his fellow Republicans right before the 2002 midterm elections and were the Neocons main motivation for starting this unjustified and unnecessary war. Even Cheney admitted as much to Paul O'Neil. It is true that by starting the war the misled and brainwashed country did rally behind this deceitful,lying and so called religious President with a direct phone line to God, that the Republicans did indeed gain enormous political advantage. The oil argument backfired on his administration because of the very fact that today the price of oil and gasoline are a lot higher than before the war. "
PRO 07/21/05 - "Of all the political leaders involved in the game around Iraq, Bush and Blair are consistently the most honest: Chirac, Putin, Anan, Schroeder, and the Chinese all have very selfish reasons to be against 'the war.' Humanitarian reasons were no part in that.
With the Arab establishment it is the same. If the Arab world is so enraged about deposing one of their dictators, because of human cost, why do we hear so little of them regarding Darfur? Arabs are killing fellow Muslims there big time. Far greater misery in that one place than in Iraq over the last 4 years."
CON 07/19/05 - "There is no doubt both [Bush and Blair] are world class war criminals and should be tried in the Hague for lying and fabricating evidence to go to war to the extent that they turned Iraq into a country filled with WMDs, and having all the force and weapons to confront USA... Both Bush and Blair are beyond reasonable doubt going to fail in their mission of spreading their perverted vision of freedom as the whole world is privately acknowledging the fact that both are masters of double speak and deception, and both practice double standards. If in fact the war in Iraq is costing the USA millions of dollars per week then the Americans should unite together to boot out the ruffian Bush before he turns the US into an impoverished nation. It is a known fact that a bully cannot last for ever, and the same holds good for USA too."
CON 06/14/05 - "The 'War' in Iraq should never have begun in the first place since all of it was based upon the lie that there was a WMD located there! Over 1700 soldiers have been killed for that lie already and the end is not yet! And you can add to that the number of wounded. And all of that so that Bush could be a 'War President!' Ugh! And double Ugh!"
CON 05/27/05 - "You know it is very hard to try and have to understand that when your family member or loved has left for war and you say your goodbyes that it could be your last time seeing that person. I know that they are doing a great duty for the U.S. but nothing is really worth the life of a loved one. My boyfriend joined the U.S.M.C. not even one year ago and they are already sending him to Iraq in Sep. I don't know what I should be feeling, but all I have felt since he has been gone is fear. I don't sleep at night, and I haven't been happy in so long, that I forgot what it is to be happy. I love my boyfriend with every fiber of my being, and all I want is for this war to end.
Iraq doesn't want us there to help them so why don't we just leave, send our
troops home. The government knows that we are there just to take their oil,
and I think enough is enough. To many lives have been lost and to many
families are left in pain and wonder and most with hatred. I don't
understand much, but what I do understand is that this war needs to end.
Sends every single troop member home and let every body sleep and feel
happy, and let us feel that when we say good bye to our loved ones that it
will not be forever. Thank You"
CON 05/23/05 - "The latest scandal swirling around Newsweek and U.S. Military
defacement of the Koran is one of many since our post 9/11 military
interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Not that any of these stories
shouldn't be reported or investigated, but I'm still waiting to hear the
grand logic of the United States being there in the first place, after it
was the very same United States that played a part in bringing these
tryanical regimes to power, then politically, militarily and financially
supported these "evil do-ers" for so many years? Is this not relevant,
something to be reported, or analyized? How on earth can we expect others
to accept our credibility after lying in bed with our "enemies" for so long?
Is this not like a fireman starting a fire, only to be idolised for putting
it out? Who would expect that? Episodes like the latest Newsweek fiasco
certainly don't help, but if anyone had noticed U.S. credibility was already
spent a long time ago. And still the first to admit our national interest
is paramount, who could blame an Arab for doubting our motives? The
message of democracy is great, but unfortunately the U.S. messenger stinks
worse then any toilet a Koran may have landed. Why the hell aren't
American's angry about that?"
CON 05/18/05 - "The USA should have not invaded Iraq. This was Americas worst mistake ever in history, and they should have obeyed the UN security council. Asians, Mainland Europeans, Russians, South Americans (Latin Americans), and the Arab world are all disturbed about the USA's decision to kill innocent Iraqis and Afghanis as well. The USA is considered a terrorists and a rogue nation... Even the Canadians are furious about the USA's plunder in Iraq. The USA is going broke and when that happens, it will be all over for the USA..."
PRO 05/12/05 - "The Iraq War CANNOT be understood in isolation from other world and regional issues. If Afghanistan was the harbor and nursery of terrorism, the Arab countries are where it is conceived. Iraq is the ONLY country in the Arab world capable of becoming an economic powerhouse that could offer, for one thing, employment for the 40% of the region's population under 20 years of age. As for the absurd assertion that democracy cannot be exported and cannot flourish in a conquered country, how does one then explain Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines? If the US is only out to gain power and riches from its military efforts, how then do you explain the same list of countries above, plus all of western Europe?
CON 05/09/05 - "Nobody (not even the U.S.) can appropriate something that does not belong to him. Invasion in Iraq and all over the world by the U.S. Marines has always been against the right of the people to have the kind of government they want, that is democracy, not the one the United States is proclaiming in their own country and all over the world. Since USA 'purchased' Hawaii and all the rest of the territories: Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, Alaska, Mexico, under the name or the manifest destiny, have been 'blessed' by the holy providence giving the United States the 'right' to invade and to implement 'democracy' wherever they want."
CON 05/08/05 - "huge mistake invading Iraq without provacation, based on lies to the American people. The lack of accountability by the bush criminals, and the needless loss of life should warrant immediate impeachment proceedings towards the bush regime."
CON 05/08/05 - "I would just like to express my deepest anger towards American cruelty. Shame on America for destroying a beautiful nation, and a beautiful people. Surely this massive crime cannot go unpunished.
Some day someone will liberate America in the same way America has liberated Iraq and Afghanistan, with bombs and bullets."
PRO 04/18/05 - "I analyze from the results...democracy established in 2 Middle East countries...Saddam Hussein incarcerated...children who will never know the fear of a dictator controlling their lives...the country of Iraq restored to its former beauty in due time...education for all...a new future for Lebanon, Palestine and Israel who lived under fear for years. Even Egypt feeling the repercussion of Iraq's free vote...Syria's people wondering what is going on; can we have what Iraq and Afganistan are now seeing in their future. I believe the Middle East is coming out of the Dark Ages for the first time in hundreds of years."
PRO 04/08/05 - "First of all, yes we should be in Iraq, with or without the UN. We should be there because we have the ability to help innocent people. Women, Children, Adults young and old that have not had the experience we can bring to them for helping themselves. Any, and I do mean any leader that murders, or orders the murder, condones the murder of the citizens should be treated as what they are - murders. If it takes the USA to stand up and say STOP and to do it with bombs, then so be it.
CON 04/02/05 - "Firstly, Bush has lost his credibility. He has consistently opened his mouth without engaging his brain. It's like the NAZI's and COMMUNIST's plan to IMPOSE their will on the world; We have become WORSE than them. We are now finding out what others have known - that Iraq has never been a direct threat to the U.S. and use to be our friend! We had NO REAL PLAN on dealing with Iraq, which is obvious during Bush's HINDSIGHT. Now he wants to make Iran and Syria our fifty first and second states. Bush's waste of fuel flying around the world, preaching to his followers, deleting Veteran and elderly programs, causing the dollar to decline has shown him to have done more harm than any terrorist organization against the U.S. How many more brave Americans must continue to make die overseas to feed Bush's cowardly ego? Must it match the 9-11 casualties? I love my country and have served her well. My children have all served or still serving in the military. I'm proud of being an American, but ashamed of it's present leadership."
CON 03/01/05 - "Oil is not the only reason we have troops in Iraq, Saddam in Jail,American's fighting American's, it all comes down to Money. Think about it. Our whole society revolves around money. Bush is smart, he knows that the more money you have the more successful you are set to be. Just think...if we do take over Iraq and consume all their oil, what would that do to our market? It would sky-rocket. People would start becoming rich, the society would be such a better place....only one thing. What do you think the rest of the world is going to think about this? This is all going to erupt into a huge war. Nuclear explosives will be deployed, and people will die out.."
CON 02/16/05 - "I have told both my son's they can not join the us military for no reason, because america is a liar. america is the only real terrorist of our time, and as that cowboy sits at 1600, he too will be riding off into the sunset one day. IRAQ is and has always been about oil ... The devil is always at work, we are the ones who are asleep. [if] The U.S. wants to stop being on the hit list of every middle eastern country, change your foreign policy. What goes around comes around. This country is the new kid on the block having only been here for what- 229 years; the middle east has been surviving a bit longer, and I do believe [they] may very well be here after Sodam & Gammorah has been destroyed for the 2nd time."
CON 02/16/05 - "I think that this is an unnecessary war because the U.S. is trying to change what Iraq believes. I think that each country can do whatever they want. If they have that traditions [it] is their problem not yours, they have that traditions since a long time ago. Besides there are a lot of deaths of innocent soldiers, just for a stupid idea."
CON 02/11/05 - "Should have the United States Government invaded Iraq like they did without permission from the United Nations? The constitutional republic of the United States Government did not attack Iraq as the Executive Branch of the United States Government invaded Iraq and usurped the Legislative Branch. The protestors of America lost their democratic constituent voice when the Executive ceased the Legislative’s Article I Section 8 Clause 11 plenary right to formally Declare War.
PRO 10/26/04 - "Of course you should have attacked Iraq. Israel made it clear that you must attack an enemy of Israel."
PRO 10/18/04 - "I am a Canadian with military, government and business experience. Lived in the US for 7 years. The threat of SH [Saddam Hussein] was real and the war necessary. Hard for a Canadian to say that the UN Security Council failed (France's veto threat) to consider the US proposal and betrayed Colin Powell. Darfur can be added to the list of [U.N.] Security Council failures to curtail the killing of moslems by moslems and other recent human catastrophies in Africa - let alone the corruption. France owes the U.S. for the American blood shed to give them liberty and a return to democracy twice in the 20th century… [T]here is trouble out there requiring military force not vichy water and cocktail parties. The CIA et al. across the international board screwed up - not Bush's fault."
CON 8/21/04 - "The U.S.A. secured at the UN Security Council all the sanctions it wanted on Iraq and, together with Britain bombed Iraqi military targets at will for a decade, thus rendering the country almost completely defenceless against any moderate army. It is a shame and disgrace for the UN and its entire membership to just sit idly by and watch two [of the] world's greatest armies launch a war against a member it has forcibly disarmed and maintained a comprehensive armed embargo against. That war is immoral. It is like handcuffing a lame man's hands behind him and watching a giant come up to beat and kick him helplessly. It is a shame to the so-called international community."
CON 8/21/04 - "Attacking Iraq was never justified by the United States, in spite of efforts to justify it to the American people. When one unprovoked nation attacks another at the bidding of a foreign interest, it is not war, it is not defensive, it is offensive aggression. The resulting military committed to that venture, and the American people who will suffer the consequences, deserve to know that they were deployed at the sheer will of a foreign country, namely Israel, our 'ally in the region' that Bush hesitated to name."
CON 8/14/04 - "No, we should not have invaded Iraq.... I believe it was a great lie by GB and his administration, so as, to make the case for war by creating fear. Now we are not only losing good men and women as well as disabling them but we are involved in an holocaust of the people of Iraq.....Shame on all of us for not objecting to this and voting all of these people out of office."
CON 7/24/04 - "The United States has a proud tradition of not casting the first stone. The world knows we do not attack without being provoked ... or at least they knew that up until now. We should not have attacked Iraq under false pretenses and stating now what a threat Sadam and his government were will not excuse that error in judgment. We were misled by our government, but now that we are there, we must stay the course and finish the job. God Bless our Troops and God Bless America."
PRO 7/9/04 - "The preemptive war on Iraq was
necessary. In these days of global instability it is essential to be proactive and profoundly careless to be reactive."
PRO 7/7/04 - "The war was against Saddam and his gang, not against Iraq, and it was a just war by all means. The after-war plan and management of the country was not perfect, time will prove that the war will bring benefit to the Iraqis."
CON 6/9/04 - "The attack on Iraq, a member of the United Nations, was not sanctioned by the United Nations....To any logical mind, an attack on an fully autonomous state and a member of the United Nations is equivalent to the Iraqi attack previously on Kuwait."
CON 6/6/04 - "After reading the information on the pro and con statements, I am not convinced we were justified in taking the steps we did in the confrontation."
CON 5/25/04 - "The truth is, that but for Saddam Hussein, Iraq would not have held together as a country all of these years. It makes me ill to hear administration officials repeat over and over whatever bad thing Saddam has done as a way to justify this war, worse Americans are gullible and think 'freeing, or saving' the Iraqi people is what this is all about. The arabs need to free themselves from the constraints of the British or US governments who have forever tried to exert domination over this rich and significant region. Saddam Hussein is what it takes to keep the 3 opposing sides in that country in relative peace. Not only is there is no case against Saddam, but he is actually the one who could restore stability even now, except that we murdered his sons. Where is the outrage, Iraq was never a threat to anyone (we helped him, or used him when it was convenient in the 80's). In actuality Saddam's weapon on mass destruction has always been his mouth. He dares to look around the region and question the status quo."
CON 5/25/04 - "We should not have invaded Iraq. Iraq was not connected to 9/11 at all (supposedly the reason we went to war with Iraq). Further, it really appears that our military and government agencies were more interested in acquiring Iraq's oil than in 'freeing' the Iraqi people. It was all a con. You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."
PRO 5/23/04 - "Due to UN 1441 plus two other sections we had every right to go to war with Iraq. Bush could not wait, when America was well justified go to War. Now let us not let down our guard, but continue to shut down every operation of terrorism around the World."
PRO 5/17/04 - "I totally support President Bush and Operation Iraqi Freedom! The reason the United Nations refused to help bring Saddam and his evil dictatorship down was because the United Nations, along with France and Germany, were making millions of dollars from the deals they made with Saddam and didn't want to lose that money!! I truly believe this to be fact!! Maybe they even helped hide those WMDs, from the inspectors and the world."
CON 5/13/04 - "I like the American people but,
I don`t think it`s good for the world, the attack on Iraq... There were a lot of lies about the weapons Saddam Hussein had. I think he never would attack America. Bush told it to his folk so [they] would be very anxious... Love and peace for all American citizens."
CON 5/11/04 - "Firstly we feel that no one outside of Iraq should have interfered in Iraq at all. We know that Pres. Bush's main reason is motivated because of Iraq's oil resources, and for personal revenge. What we do not understand is why is it that no one opposed him?? He is the most dangerous man alive."
PRO 5/4/04 - "I supported the Iraqi war and I still support the troops in Iraq. I think Saddam Hussein was a threat to world peace and to the Middle East peace plans that were destroyed by Saddam Hussein. How can you put the website on the internet and support Saddam Hussein? Saddam Hussein is the worst dictator in the world since Hitler came to power in the 20th century. Saddam killed abused and killed his citizens and a leader of a nation should not abuse or kill his citizens."
CON 5/4/04 - "I live in trepidation that the arrogance of some Americans can sway the entire American nation to march in to invade a country; a country so helpless in terms of the hi-tech arms needed to protect themselves. I cringe when I read of bombs (these are not known to be discriminating when it comes to inflicting damage)and firearms killed so many innocent Iraqis. Who will tell their stories? They just appear as statistics in newspapers. From what I read, this war costs the Americans US4b a month; think how much good this amount of money can do if they are spent wisely. Think then, how Americans would be welcome in and around the far corners of the world. Most of all, think of how many innocent lives would be spared the devastation they are currently facing. They are not just numbers. Lastly, is the war necessary to remove one person?"
CON 5/3/04 - "I am angry and appalled that our President can spend so much time campaigning and publicizing negative information about Kerry when we have service men, women, citizens and other innocence people dying almost daily in Iraq. Maybe their life do not mean much to you, but they mean a lot to the people who love them and are concerned about their safe return home. Mr. President, let our people go. Bring them home. We love them and need them. Put away your pride and reputation; forget about what the people, poll, news media and other critics will say. We have people dying and being injured physically and mentally. Who cares about Kerry throwing his military metals or ribbons? I don’t and I am sure I speak for a lot of citizens. What I do care about is an exit plan for our people to come home. I think I would think more highly of you and others if you will do what is right instead of what will make you look good. Well! News Flash!!!!!! It does not look good. BRING THEM HOME!"
CON 5/3/04 - "What right had we to invade this small middle eastern country? What right had we to presume that they want democracy? What right have we to force them into a democratic state when they have no concept of democracy? What right have we as the most powerful country in the world to assume or presume that our way of life or our form of government is right for every other country in the world? Please let this madness stop. Our young soldiers are dying on a daily basis for some reason that no one understands. May god have mercy on us all."
CON MEDIA 5/1/04 - "Don't you believe you are too late in asking whether we should go to war with Iraq or not? Prior and during the war the American media was silent. Now it is speaking out in order to prevent President Bush from winning a second term. I have come to understand that the American media, controlled by zionists, do not wish a two-term president -- because they would not be able to exert any control over him/her. So give me a break -- you are too little, too late."
CON 4/30/04 - "The Iraq war was a gross lie to the American people. It was not in defense of America. This administration obviously thought they could force our culture and democracy on the far East starting with Iraq. With this lie of a 'do gooder attitude' I believe this American empire is doomed to fail as a few others in history."
PRO 4/26/04 - "Even if the UN was not willing to join the war, it was necessary. Had we not done that there may have been more.
They may think that just act of theirs is acceptable. That there may be more of them. This time tho, we may seek their help again to be strong & finish the job."
CON 4/24/04 - "The key objection to President Bush's rush to invade Iraq was and remains: a US 'unilateral' invasion of Iraq was precisely in the best interests of al-Qaeda.
There they have cultural, linguistic and religious advantage over the US.
Now al-Qaeda has Iraq as well as Palestine as motivation for young male Muslims to support terrorism. Al-Qaeda's recruiting ground world wide has been immensely enlarged.
Afghanistan, where world badly needs an anti-terrorist victory, has been downgraded to al-Qaeda's advantage.
Iraq has revealed limits of America's military and financial power to advantage not only of Al-Qaeda but also N. Korea, Iran and places like the Sudan. All know America now lacks potential to intervene as long as it is 'holed up' in Iraq.
It is likely that historians will see the passage of Security Council Resolution 1441 in November 2002 as the peak of American world dominance. The beginning of the end of the 'American century' which brought much stability and much good."
CON 4/20/04 - "I think the only way U.S should handle Iraq right now is to back to the tables with U.N and "beg" for help. They are trying to show how strong they are and yet many of their soldiers keep dying everyday. Isn't their lives important Mr.Bush?"
NEU 4/20/04 - "USA are now in trap by withdraw of spanish army from Iraq; foreign affairs under Israeli lobbies with more green light for Israel in their policy in mid east is a high risk for american security. Believe me, I am against no one but I wish a just balance in democracy in mid east by giving Israel the opportunity to win friendship with Arab people.
I am for change of Israeli government like one under Isaak Rabin for giving more chance for peace; the worldwide security is depending now on what will happen in the mid east."
CON 4/18/04 - "To attack a country for no just reason is not just a bad idea, it's a crime and a violation of spiritual law. No credit is allowed if the one(s) attacked were not very nice people. Saddam was keeping the barbaric religious fanatics in line with the methods the same people used in Iran. He thumbed his nose at the U.S. to maintain credibility. He admired the U.S.
PRO 4/17/04 - "I sure hope the Woodward book is correct in reporting there were much discussion and differing views in the Bush cabinet prior to the Iraq war. That's what I would have expected about such a serious matter, but Bush made the correct decision after 9/11 and Saddam's long and ominous record. He would have been irresponsible to have continued the 8 year containment policy with what we now are learning about the oil for food scandal at the UN. Saddam, still in charge, would have played the UN like a fiddle and we would now be faced with a more dramatic military operation, higher casualties, a more difficult pacification and an election season. Am I too cynical to observe that Kerry would now be praising Bush's years of restraint with Saddam's WMD still unknown but the intel from every nation still valid especially after the 9/11 experience?"
CON 4/17/04 - "Saddam would have control of those out of control people."
PRO 4/8/04 - "Does the news media have only short term memories? It's been 13 months since I have heard them mention that Saddam Hussein was offering 25,000 or 30,000 dollars to the suicide bombers who killed innocent Israeli civilians. Also, didn't Saddam hire people to kill his [George W. Bush] father? Last but not least: Saddam or his chief weapons inspector had given Saddam exaggerated figures to appear on target with construction."
CON 4/3/04 - "Here everyone speaks about what Saddam had done to the entire world and how he ruined the country economically. But why no one is talking about what the Americans & Britain soldiers are doing to Iraqi people? The job got over when Saddam was captured but till date nothing has happened to resolve peace, before his capture we could understand that he was behind the attacks but what about NOW.... Who would the Bush and Blair government blame for the attacks, Al-Qeda? Admitting your mistake shows that you have grown one step wiser. Try to do something good to country and its people."
CON 3/29/04 - "I have been wondering since the war started in Iraq, why is the President trying to save Iraq when people like me here in the U.S. can't work cause I have a ruptured disk in my back, and can't get any help from any one here?"
PRO 12/14/03 - "I'm glad Saddam Husein is captured his people suffered everyone has suffered My dad fought in the British army (please remember way has everyone's face We should work for peace."
CON 11/26/03 - "The war in Iraq was unjustified. If the president of a country has to lie to his country about going to war, then you know its unjustified. Bush was using past differences with Saddam to go into his country and remove him from power. Bush and staff had hidden agendas for the war such as oil, his war hungry quest for power and his stupid ideologic views. The fact is he's failed miserably in every aspect of his presidency such as economy, foreign relations, mideast policy. Even winning the peace in Iraq he has started an armed guerrilla insurgency that is growing and amounting heavy losses on the U.S."
CON 11/4/03 - "To invasion on Iraq was totally wrong as it was done without the approval of the world body [UN]. It was neither for weapons of mass destructions nor for the freedom of Iraqees. It was just to suck and looting of the oil reservoirs from that territory and nothing more."
CON 5/20/03 - "It seems to me that the US wasn't supposed to do anything without all 5 permanent members of the Security council. I thought that Russia and France did not support the attack. I have to admit that I don't follow everything I hear on the news nor do I have the background to discuss many of these issues in depth, but I want to learn more about it. It seems like 'What is the use of the UN, if the rules aren't going to be followed?'"
CON 4/25/03 - "Its a crime of the century the violation of UN rules and regulation, and International Law and order. US and UK just raped the UN and the world people opinion. Shame US+UK Junta!"
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