Why Are We In Iraq? (And Liberia? And Afghanistan?)

[lindashaw]

It's by Michael Ignatieff, and it's in the magazine section of the NYT. Long, but thoughtful and worth the read.

http://nytimes.com/2003/09/07/magazine/07INTERVENTION.html?pagewanted=print&position=

[Brucey]

1. Thanks

Great link, I enjoyed the piece and agree that the majority of the Amer public likes wars overseas and feels a sense of pride in attacking other countries. Many in the US think the purpose of invading Iraq was revenge for 9/11. I've even heard college professors say they hope the soldiers kill all the muslims. This is just emotional revenge seeking. Even intelligent Americans have bought this argument and feel the reason for the invasion was because of 9/11 and the only way we can show that we're not going to take it anymore. You cannot talk to these people. They will not ever believe that Saddam was not involved in 9/11 and they will never believe that he doesn't have massive WMDs hidden away. Of course, the real reason was partly revenge for 9/11, partly revenge for Bush Sr., but don't forget that the neocons had suggested this years ago and the real reason is to have additional Amer control over the middle east and their resources (mostly oil). Appeasing Israel is part of the deal too. Thanks for the link. Go Dems! ABB.

[beanball]

2. In my humble openion

america's racist policies are the main reason we are in those countries.( We don't invade white countries,haven't since ww2)

[scarletwoman]

3. Interesting read....

Can't say that I agreed with alot of the assertions in this article -- much of it sounded a great deal too Tom Friedmanesque for my taste -- but I certainly liked the last part:

Without clear principles for intervention, without friends, without dreams to serve, the soldiers sweating in their body armor in Iraq are defending nothing more than power. And power without legitimacy, without support, without the world's respect and attachment, cannot endure.

Thanks for posting this, it's a thoughtful and thought-provoking analysis.

sw