November 4, 2004 8:52 AM
Hungary just announced the pull-out of its 300 troops from Iraq in March, adding itself to the increasing "Coalition of the Un-Willing."
Spain, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Philippines, the Netherlands, and yes Poland are all in the process of pulling out. Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Moldova, and Bulgaria have all reduced their commitments. Two of the largest U.S. allies, Britain and Italy remain committed, providing 15,100 troops. Although Blair's connection with Bush is putting him at grave jeopardy of being thrown out in the next few months.
America's isolation in Iraq continues to grow (11.04.2004)
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William:
In ten years when the entire Middle is in peace, when the standard of living has increased and the world is a much safer place all the previously mentioned countries will think it a shame they did not participate in making it happen. I thank God president Lincoln didn't care what the people of the phillipines thought of his decision to unite this country.
There is a price to pay for world freedom and we are paying it. Let us come together in this struggle; history is being made by those willing to make it. As for everyone else - try as you might to stop world peace - its going to happen regardless.
Thu Nov 4 2004 9:39 AM
Nolan:
Dear God...comparing Bush to Lincoln...NOW I've heard everything!
Thu Nov 4 2004 10:48 AM
Independent Jones:
You really think the Middle East with be at peace in ten years? Oh, man, I don't know what you're smoking, but it must've cost a fortune.
Peace in the Middle East would involve major cultural changes. Those sorts of changes take decades, not years. And those changes have to occur willingly, they cannot be forced. You cannot manufacture peace, just as you cannot manufacture democracy.
Thu Nov 4 2004 11:29 AM
tomaig:
People said the same thing about Japan after WWII.
Guess they were wrong, huh?
Thu Nov 4 2004 11:50 AM
Malcolm:
It isn't happening and here's why -
The cultural changes alone are almost intractable in their scope to overcome. But let's not forget the neighbors. Is Iran going to sit back and let Iraq "Go Western". Seriously? Here's what will most likely happen. We'll plug the dyke long enough to get a tiny economy established, all the while bombings, suicide attacks, etc. will continue -- similar to Isarael. The effect will be devastating. No Walmart, Citigroup, MacDonalds wants to open shop in a Lebanon and that's what we've given the Iraqi people. Thanks President Bush. Read Mao's doctrine for Guerilla war and understand what we're dealing with here.
Thu Nov 4 2004 12:04 PM
Peace in the Middle East? Hmmm, nation building. Isn't "standard of living" a Western concept? I'm not exactly sure what "world freedom" entails, but I'll bet we'll know by the Pepsi ads.
I think that there's a misperception that we have to convert and that what we're doing in Iraq has magically become the center of our focus. Nation building takes a long, long time and, at least I thought, what we wanted to do was CURB TERRORISM.
See, the thing is, mobile "bands" of people are one of our biggest threats. Nuclear proliferation is also another threat. The perception of the US abroad is also a potential threat, particularly since we're sending Americans over as soldiers, police, relief workers and ambassadors. Their safety depends on our foreign policies and the fair and humane execution of such policies.
I'm unclear as to how dissecting complex situations critically is an attempt to "stop world peace," but perhaps I should stop being so combative.
After all, it's not like we're at war, right?
Thu Nov 4 2004 2:38 PM
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