John Burns and Dexter Filkins | Charlie Rose

[@GenestealerFiend]

Don't build castles in a place you don't intend to live... We can either use our influence to build lasting relationships based upon sound business principles or, Well... Just continue what we've been doing lately.

[@GenestealerFiend]

Unfortunately you are right. "Our interests in the region" (Cheney/Bush) ought to be limited to what the Constitution says they are: To prevent an IMMINENT threat on American soil and to protect our citizens. But bare in mind we're in this no matter what so we need to conduct ourselves honourably... No cut and run and no puppet government. A respectful, culturally informed dialogue needs to happen. At least that's how I see it. How about you?

[@shore2222]

No they're not. Democracy hasn't failed. of every Iraq war vet I've talked to they all say the people want us there. If you listen to these guys this is just truth. Maybe the war didn't start under the best circumstances but it can end in a way that makes everyone happy.

[@66shadymilkman]

Excellent questions Genestealer Fiend, the sad answer is no matter what the outcome....it will not be worth the cost, for both countries.

[@itburnswhenyoup]

What's that? There's war instead of peace? Well I'll be jiggered if that's ever happened before....

[@GenestealerFiend]

Another good story we rarely hear about... But yet anotgher that ends in disaster. Is there any honourable and ethical way out of this mess? Are we ever going to have the political stability to let diplomacy work? Maybe a better question: do the Iraqi people actually desire an American democracy or are they towing the line until we leave when they can get back to the way of life they've been living long before America was even a nation?

[@GenestealerFiend]

I do believe that would bring a sort of stability, but not one that would last. Look back to the Royal Empire (you know, the one the sun would never set on). Britain. Colonialism bring stability at the cost of cultural genocide. I fear we're closer to being doomed to that sort of path as we set out to conquer and bring the nations with all the resources under our thumb. I also believe that a permanent base is not required if those at the top begin to understand the culture we're involved in

[@shore2222]

But we do have a good relationship with the largest oil producer in the world (Saudi Arabia) so why not just pump them dry?

[@GenestealerFiend]

Unfortunately you are right. "Our interests in the region" (Cheney/Bush) ought to be limited to what the Constitution says they are: To prevent an IMMINENT threat on American soil and to protect our citizens. But bare in mind we're in this no matter what so we need to conduct ourselves honourably... No cut and run and no puppet government. A respectful, culturally informed dialogue needs to happen. At least that's how I see it. How about you?