Nic Robertson just said that the majority of Iraqi's want their country...

[NNN0LHI]

...to be like it was when Saddam was in power, though without Saddam during a live report from Baghdad on CNN. I am paraphrasing here, but that is just about exactly what he said. Kind of strange to hear that coming out of my TV.

Don

[RBHam]

1. They miss law and order

Not Saddam

[Paschall]

2. And electricity, fresh drinking water, gasoline, and safe schools

[NNN0LHI]

4. And not have people kicking in their doors in the middle of the night too?

[okieinpain]

6. and don't forget not having a tank drive over your ass because

your car runs out of gas.

[SquireJons]

5. Big Suprise?

It's more than just law and order.

This touches on a very important issue that has been buried under the carpet - by everyone.

The truth is, that Iraq, for all of its repression, was the most secular and advanced Arab nation before it got caught up in three wars. Even after, by some measures. Name another Arab country where everyone gets education, health care, social mobility, and respect for religious affiliation (as long as you're not Jewish)? Where else could you buy alcohol or find professional western-like women in all parts of society? How about one that was trying to go high tech and build a nuclear power plant (that Israel bombed)? Ahh... keep looking.

The truth is that the Baath Party was better for Iraq than any other government they ever had - which of course were puppet monarchies whose lips were permanently attached to a nether region of western powers. Pan Arabism is what a free and educated Arab populous will seek. It's their version of manifest destiny. If the Iraqi's hated Saadam for anything, it would be for ruining his country with unnecessary wars, not his style of government.

This is the main reason why W's BS about spreading democracy in the Middle East is so ridiculous. Our staunches allies in the region are in fact Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The first three are non constitutional monarchies, and the fourth is a repressive dictatorship. Israel? Sorry, they have never cooperated with the U.S. on anything, nor did they ever agree with us on cold war strategies. For them, it's always been about the Arabs and land. The U.S. is just a sugar daddy to the Israelis. And they don't even have to put out. Jordan and Egypt are far more compliant to U.S. whims. Saudi Arabia is like the uncle you don't want to leave your kids with. And Kuwait is just a grinning, gold toothed pimp.

Americans would be shocked to learn that many Iraqi's wouldn't even mind if Saadam returned to power. Under his leadership, Iraq became a great nation in the eyes of other Arabs. He stood up against 'the Persians', The Turks, Israel, Arab lackey states and the US. This may not play well in Peoria, but its sells really well on the streets of Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, and elsewhere throughout the world. Remember that Stalin, his role model, was extremely popular in the USSR, despite decades of genocide. In fact, with money, Saadam's probably far more dangerous than Bin Laden because his appeal is greater and more progressive. Fortunately for us, he’s not likely to get money form any of the oil states, since he threatens their rule. Nor is he likely to get help from religious fanatics like Iran, since he threatens them as well.

[rogerashton]

3. and a secular society

n/t