And what would comprise that cohesive long-term strategy?
A cohesive long-term strategy might be:
1) Topple mideastern dictator i.e. Saddam
2) Liberate and democratize already secular mideast nation i.e. Iraq
3) Establish Iraq as model for mideast democracy
Chances for this to work in Iraq are far more likely than nearly any other mideastern country b/c it is a secular nation, with an infrastructure, natural resources (yes, oil), and substantial literate and intellectual class.
After the Persian Gulf war, something like 21 out of 24 Iraqi provinces revolted (at U.S. urging), only to ultimately be crushed by Saddam thanks to us not supporting the uprising.
Historically, most of the angst in the middle east was directed against the peoples' own governments and leaders. Since the 70s this has turned increasingly against the west since we've supported many of these authoritarian regimes. It's about time we truly brought reform to the middle east, and unfortunately appeasement will not often work.
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Originally posted by <IMX>
The issue of terrorism has brought about a need for a cohesive long-term strategy for the Middle East.
That includes Syria, Israel (yes Israel), Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran.
Guess where we are setting up our next base of operations for the next 50 years?
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