<p>Zoosermom, </p>
<p>You asked if Iraq would be better off with Sadam still in power? The answer is “yes”. While there still would be a body count, it would be far far lower than what it has been in the last few years (50,000+ Iraqis) and around 25,000 US soldiers would neither be dead or wounded. Iraq would function and the oil would flow. </p>
<p>You are entitled to hold that view. On balance I’m not completely sure that I disagree.</p>
<p>Many of true Bushies fail to use logic in their arguements about this conflict. Place yourself in Sadam’s situation… WMD? Sure I’ve got em, I have “hidden” them around my country. </p>
<p>Like the stuff found hidden in the garden? </p>
<p>(have you ever thought for 10 seconds he was bluffing? Not so much as to scare the US, but his neighbor to the southeast (Iran) which a while ago was engaged in a long bloody conflict. Think of it as a beware of Dog sign. My dog may be the size of a rat, but I can make you “think” it’s dangerous to enter my yard???)</p>
<p>I would have considered that if WMDs hadn’t been found and I do think it was a motivating factor – but not the whole story. </p>
<p>What happened when we proved no WDM’s, Iranian’s now cross the border and stir unrest and commit terrorist acts in Iraq. We can’t tell em apart. </p>
<p>I respectfully disagree with the first part of that statement and agree with teh second part. But doesn’t that reflect on the fact that Iran is, in fact, an aggressive exporter of terror?</p>
<p>Sadam is one of many evil men in power. Why just take him? Why not the others? If you feel strongly that this war is just, why stop there? Why not invade EVERY country that we disagree with? What made him so special? Was he the only guy jailing, torturing, killing or starving his people? </p>
<p>Again, respectfully, I don’t think the inspections were working, I do think sanctions were eroding, and I do think that Saddam was attempting to recreate his WMD programs. I sincerely believe that, if left in power, Saddam would have had those programs fully operational by now. You can disagree, but it’s a question of how much risk one is prepared to assume.</p>
<p>Where was Sadam going?
GWB sr and Clinton figured it out (praise of both parties…darn go figure that one) Keep Sadam in a box (no fly zone, military presence over the horizon, an occasional cruise missle or two) Keep the region STABLE politically and productivity wise. That could have gone on for another 50 years easily with limited loss of US lives. Both these Presidents KNEW a ground level occupation would have the results it has had. </p>
<p>I respectfully submit that Saddam was not in a box at the time of the war. There is also the matter of the UN resolutions. I am of the school of thought that if someone tells you they are dangerous, you should err on the side of believing them. Just as I do with Iran threatening to destroy Israel.</p>
<p>Junior had a different idea and motivation…</p>
<p>I do think GW Jr. figured out his dad’s real problem back then, the economy. Dad kicked Sadam’s butt quickly and decisively. He controlled Iraqi airspace and effectively kicked out an invading army…Then with no war to fight American’s focus shifted to the economy and…no relection. </p>
<p>I would not presume to think that I know anyone’s motivation for anything. But I do think our economy is excellent right now. </p>
<p>Junior figured it out, keep us in a constant state of war and ensure party control. American’s historically have supported the parties in power in times of war and this time was no different. </p>
<p>This politically speaking, was a stroke of genius. We’re in a state of “war” without tax increases to pay for the costs, without a large body count on the nightly news and without americans having to ration anything to support the war effort and an ememy we can’t clearly point out so the mystery continues. </p>
<p>I do not think the administration has done the right thing in the post-war period and I think their PR has sucked big time, but I do think in the broader scheme of things it was necessary to remove Saddam from power. We don’t have to agree, but I do appreciate the courteous tone of your post.</p>