I’d only add that it wasn’t the sanctions that caused the death of Iraqi children, but the way in which Saddam chose to spend the money he earned through the legal oil-for-food program. While children were dying, Saddam was building magnificent palaces, keeping his WMD programs ticking, and buying off everyone necessary to keep himself in power.

That money could have been spent on its intended purpose: humanitarian aid.
END

I do not have to add anything to that obvious truth. DOS, I don’t know if you just have a problem communicating in the Enlgish language, or if your just an imbecile.

That money could have been spent on its intended purpose: humanitarian aid.

These people endured years of war with Iran, only to have Saddam invade Kuwait. What followed was the Gulf War, another bombardment of their country. Many men were killed. The icing on the cake was sanctions that left their children dying of malnutrition, and disease.

They caught their breath just in time for another war in their country. The Iraq ”liberation” in the eyes of many Arabs was an ”invasion” which leaves us with thousands more dead, not to mention thier country being torn apart. Abu Gharaib should have been handled differently from the beginning, as an outrage with immediate courts martial for those involved, as this was a major turning point on Arab opinion.

Saddam Hussein ”invaded” Kuwait, and informed his troops that they were to “liberate” Kuwait from their rulers. Imagine their shock upon learning it wasn’t true. No human wants their country taken over by foreigners, it goes against human nature, regardless of the reason.

And, yes I am proud to be an American, and uphold the human rights of all, including humans in foreign countries, as well as my own.

Iraq does need to pull itself together. Hatreds can be overcome, but we’ve plenty of historic examples of it taking an inordinately long time… N. Ireland only took 400 years, after all, and it’s not entirely settled yet.

cons: Kuwait, Turkey and Jordan suffer.

I dont think a bloody regional war is that bad of an idea, they will be killing themselves instead of our troops.
What is the answer, will they ever stand up and take care of themselves or is this civil war inevitable, and our presence prolongs the wait, not ends the threat? Is the hate between these people a lost cause? Judging on how the elections went these people need to get their act together or they are headed to this bloody future. I guess that will be our fault to right? Liberate them and they find something to kill eachother over. Private timelines must be made for the Iraq government. Emphasis on the private…

Breaking up Iraq is a surefire way to ensure a long and bloody regional war, dragging in Iraq’s neighbors. Turkey does not want an independent ‘Kurdistan’ on its borders, foment unrest among Turkey’s own Kurdish population (neither do Syria or Iran, for that matter). Iran will take try to take advantage of a weakly organized ‘Shi’a region’, though success on that front is not a given. Syria will try to protect its interests with the Iraqi Sunnis and the remnants of the Ba’ath Party. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan will be very unhappy about unstable countries (the Sunni and Shi’i states) on their borders. The Saudis, Kuwaitis, and other Gulf Arabs will be extremely nervous about a more powerful Iran–they’re already nervous about non-nuclear Iran.

Breaking up Iraq–or allowing it to break up–would be a major disaster, with worldwide ramifications.

Patriotism does not mean “My country right or wrong” but it does mean “My country not perfect but noble and righteous.” Thats the USA, millions try to get here and you should be proud you are (not saying your not).

As for the Koran, a professor of mine (muslim) made the comment to me about translations and anytime I hear someone criticizing the Koran who is not muslim, I always hear the “scholars” point out that the person cannot read arabic so anything they have to say about the translated version is irrelevant. Thats a double standard, its good enough when you convert to Islam but not when trying to critique it. Touches on what John said about questioning authority.

Isn’t MEMRI state run?

Still think Iraq should be separated. No one can give me a good reason why not. So SE Iraq will go to Iran, wont change anything. We can establish a HEAVY millitary presence in “Kurdistan” full arsenal and logistical support.

I am American (not native) but my family immigrated to the U.S. in the 1850′s from Norway. My point with Rodney King was not of his character, but the fact that racism still exists in the U.S. and pointing out flaws in a country does not indicate hateful rhetoric. Patriotism does not render us lemmings, and should include constructive criticism.

As for translating Islamic material, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, however the original Quran was written in Arabic. Many converts to Islam cannot read Arabic, yet practice Islam. I have never heard anyone say they were not Muslim.

The point is keeping the original language, such as preserving the language of Aramaic, which is now used completely only in a small village in Syria, though I know a few who speak it. I’m sure you’re aware that while the essence of the Bible is intact, simple word translations can make a difference, for the better, or worse.

I’m hardly a theology student, just wanted to address your comments on translations.

Oh, and MEMRI is about as negative as you can get.

As for dividing Iraq. I think it’s complicated enough as it is, wouldn’t work. Hope I cleared up some confusion.

If you’re watching translated Saudi TV, you’re probably watching MEMRI, as I can’t think of anyone else doing it. That’s fine, but do realize that MEMRI has its own agenda, which is not telling people how great Arabs and their religion are.

Splitting Iraq would be a complete disaster, not only for the Iraqis, but also every country in the region and particularly for the US. And no, it isn’t all about oil.