Bertster7 wrote:
I'm not all over the place at all. I've been very consistent in everything I've said.
I never said I agreed getting rid of Saddam was a good idea. He was not a nice guy, but I've also pointed out that his brutal regime kept Iraq in line and terrorist free. Why did you get rid of him? That's a very good question, I wish I knew the answer - it doesn't make any sense to me, the whole Iraq war seems very badly thought through.
There is no link between Saddam and Islamic terrorist groups, which is pretty much all of them. I would have nothing against any suggestions that Saddam was planning terrorist attacks with his own troops, but there has never been any evidence to suggest that was the case. Therefore there is nothing linking Saddam to terrorism - other than dubious reports from the Bush administration, eager to validate their war on Saddam.
Saddam had no links with any Islamic groups, terrorist or otherwise. All the terrorist groups in the region are extremist Islamic radicals. Therefore Saddam had no links to terrorism. It is possible that Saddam had aspirations to launch a terrorist attack against the US, but there has been no evidence to suggest that.
The Islamic state leaders do/did hate Saddam. By removing him from power the US has created more terrorists by:
1) Allowing extremist Islamic movements, banned under Saddam to be formed in Iraq. Under Saddam these sorts of extremist movements were deemed dangerous and the members arrested and tortured - not very nice, but it put people off terrorism. Now that Iraq is no longer under Saddams iron grip, Iranian terrorist groups have moved in. It's all about religion.
2) Bombing cities and occupying Iraq. Always creates terrorists - look at Israel/Palestine. Many of the Iraqis may have been happy about it - but lots aren't, look at the number who are blowing themselves up to get rid of US troops.
If you really believe there was more terrorism after Kuwait, then just consider that 651 Americans were killed by terrorists over the 80's - more than 3 times the number killed in the 90's.
Sorry, I thought that when I asked whether we should ask whether we should put Saddam back in power, you said don't be foolish. I took that as meaning you agreed with his removal. My fault.
I see your point now...I'm surprised to say the least - I've never heard anyone saying that Saddam was good for the region. I am also surprised - I'm the kind of guy that wants leaders who kill their own populace out of office, not replaced by another brutal dictator. I'm also surprised that when we do the region a favor by getting rid of Saddam, they take offense to this and form more terrorist organizations.
And I guess, if you believe Saddam/brutal dictator who kills thousands to be named later should still be in power the logical conclusion is that the Iraqi War was not worth the effort. I however, do believe that brutal dictators should not be in power, and therefore disagree with the base argument that the war was a waste of time.
I'm not arguing about creating more terrorists - I'm just pissed that we do them a favor and they thank us by creating more terrorists.
Also, 651 in the 80's...make sure to include 9/11 in your figures...
Anyhow, we disagree on the basic level, so it's time to stop talking about it and name calling if you wish...
Last edited by Pug (2006-08-19 11:50:56)