A non-American's take on the Iraq war, as per Clinton and Obama

[glarius]

Here's my observations, as a non-American about the American government, (Republicans and Democrats), and the Iraq war dilemma.
It seems to me that 9/11 happened, shocking and devastating the world. The wiley Bush took advantage of this as a convenient excuse to launch an attack on Iraq...complete with all his hoked up lies about WMDs etc. Even though I believe that privately, many (probably most) Democrats and many Republicans didn't agree with going to war with Iraq, they were sort of paralized with the inability to declare their beliefs, for fear of seeming unpatriotic and not trying to protect America. I think this was understandable at that time. The shock was so raw.
Once the war was on, they were more or less trapped in a position they did not really believe in, but were now rather helpless to abandon it.
It seems to me that all this back and forth between Hilary Clinton and Obama and others about who was for the war and who against it is just wasted time. Except for the Bush - Cheney bunch, I don't think there was any real appetite from anyone for the war. Perhaps they should just drop all the accusations against each other. It's Bush's war...period.
Hope I'm not being too presumptuous, but that's how it appears to me.
Thanks for letting me spout off.

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Most Congressional Democrats Voted Against The Iraq War

They got it right (unless you believe Mrs. Clinton, who continues to not admit that her vote was a mistake).

It was the most important vote in decades, and it wasn't that tough of a call to make.

[potone]

2. I think you are right that the Democrats had no real desire for the Iraq war.

Most of the Democrats in the House voted against it, but the Senate Democrats mostly let themselves get bullied into it. We have seen in the months since the November election the extent to which the Democrats in the Senate have been unwilling to truly fight for what they claim to believe in. Of course, Pelosi in the House hasn't helped either with her "impeachment is off the table" decision.

But by all means, please keep posting. I, for one, like to hear the perspective of persons from other countries--our news media provides no international perspective as you probably know.
;)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Thank you for your comments

It is refreshing to hear a non-US citizen talking about our troubles. Frankly, I was afraid most other folks in the world thought most Americans were gung ho for war all along.

[glarius]

4. I think most people from other countries realize the problem is Bush and

his buddies and not the American people. You are still thought of as decent, good hearted people. :)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. That brought a tear to my eye

Canada is the only other country I've ever visited, and I loved it because the people there were so nice! That happened in 1962, and I haven't changed my opinion since.

Now, there are folks around where I live who, sadly, epitomize the term "Ugly American". Guess I'm so used to being around them I fear that their kind are the ones folks from other nations think are typical Americans.