The Current Status of the Conflict in Iraq

[Tribesman]

Well tribesman is right if the mandate runs out its over, hence the Bush boys trying to negotiate a long term defence arraingment (think south korea as a comparative). The best possible scenario would be to leave now, no mandate and no defense deal.

And the problem there is that while americais trying to negotiate a defence deal the Iraqi government is doing meetings in tehran to get their defence deal ..one major condition of which is US out of Iraq .
So there is a real possibilty that Americas dream of creating a western friendly environment in mesopotania is resulting in a military pact for Iraq/Iran and Syria(and by extention Lebanon) and the majority of the other gulf states stating quite clearly that they ain't gonna play ball with the US down that road .

No Louis, that was just lil' ole' me, asking Tribe about tyranny

It works better if you ask that question and come from a country that doesn't have a long and continuing history of supporting tyrants Rotor .

[Odin]

And the problem there is that while americais trying to negotiate a defence deal the Iraqi government is doing meetings in tehran to get their defence deal ..one major condition of which is US out of Iraq .
So there is a real possibilty that Americas dream of creating a western friendly environment in mesopotania is resulting in a military pact for Iraq/Iran and Syria(and by extention Lebanon) and the majority of the other gulf states stating quite clearly that they ain't gonna play ball with the US down that road .

I have absolutely no issue with this outcome at all (admitadly I am in the minority). Let them make a deal with Iran, the iranian threat to the U.S. is vastly overstated anyway, of course Im not so out of it that I dont recognize the pro israel lobby will keep us engaged in sabre rattling.

Im all for allowing the arabs to sort out there own paths at this point, I am even willing to issue an official appology for lying about the intelligence on Iraq in the first place. However Tribes, i suspect that once we do get out of there they full impact of the sunni/shia schism will play out via proxy wars etc (to a larger extent then it is now) and oil and gas prices skyrocket, forcing us to finally get off foriegn oil.

should have happened in the 70's, sadly it didnt. Iraq is a major opportunity for the U.S. to refocus its resources and efforts internally (see signature) and remove ourselves from where we unjustly stuck our noses.

[Geoffrey S]

I have absolutely no issue with this outcome at all (admitadly I am in the minority). Let them make a deal with Iran, the iranian threat to the U.S. is vastly overstated anyway, of course Im not so out of it that I dont recognize the pro israel lobby will keep us engaged in sabre rattling.

Cheers. State has changed plenty over the years since the revolution, easily the most progressive population of the region, and the government is fast losing control over social changes.

[Odin]

Cheers. State has changed plenty over the years since the revolution, easily the most progressive population of the region, and the government is fast losing control over social changes.

Iran? I wouldnt know I find the culture less then intresting. That being said have a look at the wall my friend, the writting on it spells israeli airstrikes. There is a line in the sand in which the Israeli's, once Iran crosses it, will strike. Successfully? I dont know but I want no part of it personally however the assets are in Hormuz to assist.

The real shame is that the invasion of Iraq literally proclude us from a major intervention in Iran. Clearly they are the ones who have the nuke ambitions (yep the WMD bit on saddam didnt pan out). Wonderful that there culture is thriving and the government is loosing control, yet that magic line for israel inches ever closer and if I were putting money on it I would say that within a year there is either a major diplomatic push from the U.S. to reel the iranians in (gasp an obama summit with dinnerjacket?) or israeli airstrikes.

I prefer it happen later in 09 so we have ample time to pull out of Iraq.

[Tribesman]

That being said have a look at the wall my friend, the writting on it spells israeli airstrikes.

No it doesn't , carrying out their practice in the Med is one thing but getting to Iran is another entirely , they cannot manage it without using US assets or negotiating passage from countries that are not exactly friendly with them . So since passage is out that leaves American military involvement and Americas "friends" in the region have said exactly what will happen to their agreements if America is involved in any attack on Iran .

[Odin]

No it doesn't , carrying out their practice in the Med is one thing but getting to Iran is another entirely , they cannot manage it without using US assets or negotiating passage from countries that are not exactly friendly with them . So since passage is out that leaves American military involvement and Americas "friends" in the region have said exactly what will happen to their agreements if America is involved in any attack on Iran .

It does, unless you think Israel is going to sit back and hope Iran stops the nuclear process? You're going to have to pull a big rabbit out of your butt to convince me on that one. If history is any indication of future behavior Israel has a solid track record of striking arab nations who desire a nuclear program.

As far as passage I find it unlikely that Isreal is going to run into strong opposition other then verbal condemnation from those whose air space was violated. Of course the mightly iraqi airforce might offer up token resistance but all in all I dont see a big problem with israeli jets flying sorties over Iran at initiation of the strike. Follow up action maybe, but not day 1.

[Viking]

A victory for the USA, but a defeat for reason and human rights.