View Poll Results: Is the US Mission in Iraq complete?

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  • Yes, it is complete now, and we should begin pulling out immediately.

    4 19.05%
  • Not quite, but we are on the right track, and should be able to start leaving Iraq soon.

    11 52.38%
  • No, our work is far from over, and we won't be able to leave Iraq anytime soon.

    6 28.57%
  • It doesn't matter, we should pull out of Iraq right now regardless.

    0 0%
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  1. #1
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    Default Is the Mission Complete?

    We all know that President Bush has said that we will not leave Iraq until "the mission is complete." Typically, that has meant that Iraq is secure and able to defend itself against terrorist insurgents and its neighbors. Now that casualties in Iraq are down to some of the lowest levels in years and Iraqi forces are beginning to fight alongside (and in front of) American forces, the question is, is the US mission in Iraq complete?

  2. #2
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    I think that "the mission", referring to the overall mission, not just a phase of it, is a peaceful and stable Middle East, for the purpose of protecting the long term interests of the United States. As we did in Europe, Japan and Korea, this will require our long term presence on permanent military bases.

    So it may be time to start reducing our visibility on the streets, but only in concert with establishing that permanence.

  3. #3
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    Frankly, I think we have done what we set out to do. The only question mark in my mind is whether Iran poses an immediate threat to Iraq. While the two countries share a large border and are historical enemies, I think Iraq is to the point where its own forces can defend the country, and the US should begin a phased drawdown, over the course of 6-12 months.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by glockmail View Post
    I think that "the mission", referring to the overall mission, not just a phase of it, is a peaceful and stable Middle East, for the purpose of protecting the long term interests of the United States. As we did in Europe, Japan and Korea, this will require our long term presence on permanent military bases.

    So it may be time to start reducing our visibility on the streets, but only in concert with establishing that permanence.
    The long term interests of the US being what? Oil? And why will the established bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait not suffice?

  5. #5
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    I'm very shocked to see your Vote, Jeff. You really think whatever we were planning to do, or needed to do is now complete? You have access to info others dont?
    “… the greatest detractor from high performance is fear: fear that you are not prepared, fear that you are in over your head, fear that you are not worthy, and ultimately, fear of failure. If you can eliminate that fear—not through arrogance or just wishing difficulties away, but through hard work and preparation—you will put yourself in an incredibly powerful position to take on the challenges you face" - Pete Carroll.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by 5stringJeff View Post
    The long term interests of the US being what? Oil? And why will the established bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait not suffice?
    Trade in oil is certainly a consideration, and will be until the enviro-nuts in the US let us utilize our own resources instead of enriching our enemies. Aside from that, protection of Israel, as well as Europe from the next Muslim invasion, both of which require a more strategic geographical position, such as south-western Iraq.

  7. #7
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    Our work is far from over and we won't leave anytime soon. That doesn't change the fact that we should leave or that we shouldn't have ever invaded to begin with.

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    Quote Originally Posted by dmp View Post
    I'm very shocked to see your Vote, Jeff. You really think whatever we were planning to do, or needed to do is now complete? You have access to info others dont?
    I think we've done what we set out to do.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by glockmail View Post
    Trade in oil is certainly a consideration, and will be until the enviro-nuts in the US let us utilize our own resources instead of enriching our enemies.
    I agree, but again, why can't we keep our oil supplies secure via our bases in Saudi Arabia and/or Kuwait?

    Aside from that, protection of Israel, as well as Europe from the next Muslim invasion, both of which require a more strategic geographical position, such as south-western Iraq.
    Israel can protect itself and certainly doesn't need our help. Europe has the EU, and we are still a part of NATO, so if there was ever a military attack, we woule be involved. Besides, the Europeans are seeing a Muslim immigration influx, just like the US is seeing with illegal Mexicans, and US troops in Iraq won't stem that.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hagbard Celine View Post
    Our work is far from over and we won't leave anytime soon. That doesn't change the fact that we should leave or that we shouldn't have ever invaded to begin with.
    Pulling out early only leaves a mess. As a guy in the hunt for slice, you should know that!

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by 5stringJeff View Post
    I agree, but again, why can't we keep our oil supplies secure via our bases in Saudi Arabia and/or Kuwait?



    Israel can protect itself and certainly doesn't need our help. Europe has the EU, and we are still a part of NATO, so if there was ever a military attack, we woule be involved. Besides, the Europeans are seeing a Muslim immigration influx, just like the US is seeing with illegal Mexicans, and US troops in Iraq won't stem that.
    Its a big region, and our presence is much more effective near the geographic center than on the fringes. A central location also keeps our options open by establishing a second front.

    Israel is a tiny country and wouldn't survive a week with sophisticated weapons or WMD brandished by her enemies. Our long term presence in Iraq will help ensure that they never get those capabilities.

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    Quote Originally Posted by glockmail View Post
    Pulling out early only leaves a mess. As a guy in the hunt for slice, you should know that!
    Sometimes pulling out early is the only way to avoid a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your life.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hagbard Celine View Post
    Sometimes pulling out early is the only way to avoid a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your life.
    Touche!

    OK so its not a pefect analogy.

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    Quote Originally Posted by glockmail View Post
    Its a big region, and our presence is much more effective near the geographic center than on the fringes. A central location also keeps our options open by establishing a second front.
    If oil is the concern (as you said), and we get more oil from Saudi Arabia than any other Middle Eastern country by far, then it follows that it makes more sense to have bases in Saudi Arabia, not in Iraq.

    Israel is a tiny country and wouldn't survive a week with sophisticated weapons or WMD brandished by her enemies. Our long term presence in Iraq will help ensure that they never get those capabilities.
    Israel has more sophisticated weapons than its neighbors/enemies, and has already fought wars when they were outnumbered 4-1 and 5-1, and won. Israel does not need the American military to defend it; they are more than capable of defending themselves. Nevertheless, how are American troops in Iraq keeping WMDs out of the hands of Syria or Iran?

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    Quote Originally Posted by 5stringJeff View Post
    Israel does not need the American military to defend it; they are more than capable of defending themselves.

    I'd say the US Influence on Israel helps keep Arabs safe - we act as sort of a leash.
    “… the greatest detractor from high performance is fear: fear that you are not prepared, fear that you are in over your head, fear that you are not worthy, and ultimately, fear of failure. If you can eliminate that fear—not through arrogance or just wishing difficulties away, but through hard work and preparation—you will put yourself in an incredibly powerful position to take on the challenges you face" - Pete Carroll.

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