Problem of Humane War

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
21

[quote]40yarddash wrote:
We won’t because a lot of the people there actually support Al-Queada. Just like Pakistan. I would like to see these countries become democratic but not if it puts American lives in danger. Sorry if that sounds a little selfish but we’re obviously going to put our best intrests first and there is nothing wrong with it. It’s survival.[/quote]

I respect your utter honesty, but let me try a different, yet complementary explanation.

In a democratic Saudi Arabia, the people will ultimately look out for their interests, nationalize their resources and stop putting their money into American banks. The current status-quo ensures the spoiled ruling class delights in luxury and abundance while foreign companies get to make juicy benefits out of Saudi oil. I recommend the excellent PBS documentary “house of Sauds” to better understand the history and challenges of the country.

Sorry for spinning off the thread.

22

I can’t believe people discuss anything Ann has to say in a rational way, like she actually says anything that isn’t purely political.

Cruel people are hated. Hated people are resisted. You can hold threat and force over peoples heads, but you can’t end the enmity like that.

It also won’t work when the populace and the agitators are not identified with one another. It also won’t work if the enemy doesn’t give a damn about it’s own populace.

Some of you guys need to quit jerking off to the “might” which is available and start thinking a bit deeper. Stop hiding behind your military power like a bunch of cowards and face the difficult issues.

23

Lixy,

Stop putting money in American banks??? They should thank us because they are rich!

Do you realize how much property the Arabs own in this country? And the Japanese. (Our one time enemy??) You should go to Hawaii after your trip to Africa. It’s like a Japanese colony.

24

If Islam is so ingrained into Middle Eastern culture, then why don’t all these fat cat Arabs share the wealth with the population? How about giving each person $$$, like Alaska does here?

They could then stay in the Middle East instead of moving to western countries and trying to change OUR culture.

25

[quote]Gkhan wrote:
Stop putting money in American banks??? They should thank us because they are rich!

Do you realize how much property the Arabs own in this country? And the Japanese. (Our one time enemy??) You should go to Hawaii after your trip to Africa. It’s like a Japanese colony.[/quote]

Trust me, I have a pretty good idea how much real estate Arab leaders in the West: Too much!

That’s because they drain the resources of the country and gets the money across the border. It’s money that belongs to the people and help in the construction of said countries instead of fattening the bank accounts of the already-exuberantly-wealthy. I hope it’s clear.

26

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
If Islam is so ingrained into Middle Eastern culture, then why don’t all these fat cat Arabs share the wealth with the population? How about giving each person $$$, like Alaska does here?
[/quote]

Because they’re dictators. They have absolutely no legitimacy in their respective countries. Trouble is that they’re backed by the US.

27

[quote]lixy wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
If Islam is so ingrained into Middle Eastern culture, then why don’t all these fat cat Arabs share the wealth with the population? How about giving each person $$$, like Alaska does here?

Because they’re dictators. They have absolutely no legitimacy in their respective countries. Trouble is that they’re backed by the US.

[/quote]

That doesn’t explain anything. If they are zealous enough to fund terrorism, all in the name of Islam, shouldn’t they follow the rest of the moral dictates, like helping the poor? Or does one get to pick and choose which part of Islam one follows?

Look, I wish the United States had NO involvement at all with the Middle East. But we’ve got a tiger by the tail…if we leave or don’t support the oil-rich bastards, fundamentalists will take over. Do you realize the consequences of that? Without oil, the whole world economy goes straight into the toilet. Do you want another Great Depression? I know we’ll get one sooner or later anyway, because of our massive debts; but why hasten it?

If it were up to me, I’d simply give every citizen an equal share in all the oil wealth. You don’t blow up what brings in the cash. Maybe then the region would finally become peaceful.

28

Thank you thank you. You’ve been a great audience. And now for my last song, dedicated to HH.

Since I was a child
I’ve tried to be what I’m not
I’ve lied and I’ve enjoyed it all my life
I lied to my dear mother
to my sisters and my brother
and now I’m lying to my children and my wife

Big Hat, no cattle
Big head, no brain
Big snake, no rattle
I forever remain
Big hat, no cattle
I knew from the start
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart

Can’t remember why I do it,
Oh, maybe I can.
An honest man these days is hard to find.
I only know we’re living in an unforgiving land.
And a little lie can buy some real big piece of mind.
Oftimes I wondered what might I have become,
Had I but buckled down and really tried.
But when it came down to the wire
I called my family to my side
Stood up straight, threw my head back and I lied, lied, lied

Big hat, no cattle
Big shoes, well you know…
Big horse, no saddle
He goes wherever I go
Big hat, no cattle
Right from the start
Big guns, no battle
Big belly, no heart

When it came down to the wire
I called my little family to my side
Stood up straight, threw my head back and I lied, lied, lied
lied, lied, lied

Big hat, no cattle
Big head, no brain
Big snake, no rattle
I forever remain
Big hat, no cattle
I knew from the start
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart
Big boat, no paddle
Big belly, no heart

29

Decisive victories are the most humane.

30

[quote]lixy wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
If Islam is so ingrained into Middle Eastern culture, then why don’t all these fat cat Arabs share the wealth with the population? How about giving each person $$$, like Alaska does here?

Because they’re dictators. They have absolutely no legitimacy in their respective countries. Trouble is that they’re backed by the US.

[/quote]

Yup. Saddam Hussien, the Iranian Mullahs, Assad in Syria, Khaddafi in Libya.

31

Yes, Zap, history will show we backed them all…

(islamic extremist propaganda history.)

32

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
Yup. Saddam Hussien, the Iranian Mullahs, Assad in Syria, Khaddafi in Libya.[/quote]

Saddam WAS supported by the US.

The Iranians, Assad and kaddafi are exceptions to the rule. Just so you know, you cited 3 countries out of the 50+ countries with a Muslim majority.

Looking forward to your reply…

33

Of course we sided with Iraq over Iran. When merchant ships are being sunk you might expect some outside intervention.

So, the US ended up backing the same nation most of the Arab nations did, Iraq. Not to mention the whole Islamic Revolution stuff.

34

[quote]Sloth wrote:
So, the US ended up backing the same nation most of the Arab nations did, Iraq. [/quote]

Really? Arabs sided with their fellow Arabs? How interesting!

I’d have guessed they’d side with Persians…

35

[quote]lixy wrote:
Sloth wrote:
So, the US ended up backing the same nation most of the Arab nations did, Iraq.

Really? Arabs sided with their fellow Arabs? How interesting!

I’d have guessed they’d side with Persians…

[/quote]

They weren’t so fond of the Islamic Revolution either. Let’s not sweep that one under the rug. Nor, merchant ships being sunk by Iranian attacks and mines in international waters.

Besides, I’m not sure why your comment was snide. I, after all, specifically said “Arabs.” Had I simply said ‘many Middle-Eastern’ nations, for example, your witty reply would have had some merit.