As usual I have an alternate, somewhat conspiratorial view of where this new american foreign policy is heading...

The core issue between Arabs and the west is western imperialism. Since the Brits left Iraq the last bastion of western imperialism, at least in the Arab view, is Israel. Hard to blame them really...I imagine the same kind of feelings might be generated here if say the Kurds were awarded part of Colorado as some sort of reparations for the atrocities committed at the hands of Saddam. A bad comparison admittedly, but one worth making because it helps explains the Arab view.

Oil is the big Red Herring. Believe me, I think the Bush administration is comfortable with the general population thinking this about oil...or anything else that isn't the truth. Technically they would not be lying that way....

...because the truth is that ultimately this a battle for Arab or western control of Jerusalem and the other Muslim/Christian holy lands. We are now reinforcing our position in the region militarily, if you put yourself in the shoes of an Arab you can see how this creates legitimate fear of further invasions by westerners. So then, can we legitimately expect that Iran or Syria, especially Syria, are next?? Haven't you already heard the rumblings?? Syria are a state that supports Hezbollah (Palestinian terrorists)...intimations that Iraq's WMD were smuggled into Syria during our conflict with Iraq...its all there, remember though that before the conflict with Iraq you would not hear these type of things from the US government.

I'm no nostradamus but I predict that in the very, very near future such rhetoric against the Syrian government is going to heat up big time. IMO, this ultimately good for US 'interest' in the region but bad for our national security.

Chappy.

I think I get your message, and I think you make a very good point (actualy more than one).

I just wish I didn't, and you hadn't!

This thing is way too convaluted (sp). When I try to just scim under the low points of the whole deal, and try to gleen a few things, (beyond the incredible, and admirable job that our military has done) to feel good about. I'm somewhat successful.

I am, and have been from the start, convinced that getting rid of Saadam was the simple( but extremely tragic) part of this deal. Hell, if anybody had any doubt about the outcome of the fighting (sledgehammer to kill a mosquito) I am very concerned about their mental abilities.

We did a good job!

We freed the Iraqis and that by itself, in my opinion, was justification for our actions.

I don't feel any safer now but that's ok I'm glad we did it.

But......then you come along and ask some questions and I have to start thinking again and I know there is nothing that will be settled by my stewing over it, but damn you Chappy, you pose some interesting points.

herm

Burn in hell Saadam!

Chappy, I'd be MUCH less worried about India than China.... Give it 7-10 years, they'll exceed our economy. However, their strength, I think is misleading for while they have a huge amount of people power, the lack technology. As we enter the next wave of economic development, I think their lagging will have them remaining in 2nd place. Plus, they're profoundly flawed governmental model could shatter their economic success if a significant middle class or technocrat class begins to ask for a say in policy making.

Hegemonies come and go. We're trying to establish and maintain a Pax Americanas in the same way the Brits and Romans did before us. They fell eventually... I don't think its our time yet, however. We're not invincible, but we're not out.

CWU girl - I like your posts, they make me think. I have a question for you - the history of the Western world shows an interesting trend of how long countries are able to maintain a supreme superpower status. Going back to the Greeks and Romans. Then the Italians, Spanish, Portugese, French, & British. Generally speaking, these "empires" have lasted about a century. I think that we can all agree that America's time has been the 20th Century on. How long can we maintain that position in your opinion? I think we will maintain the position for my lifetime (but I'm 50 and some days running on fumes!). I'd like your thoughts and anyone elses as well. edit - I do realize that the Greek and Roman Empires lasted longer than a century. The newest ones seemed to have been about 100 years.

Damn...all this CWUgirl praise is going to her head!!

I used to be the big [Bleeeeep!] among the two of us...and now I think she may surpass me!

I guess I'd like to know how OUR OIL got under THEIR SAND in the first place?? :p