http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspxBy NBC News local journalist in Baghdad* Social constraints in Iraq prevent a lot of women from earning money – the men put food on the table by going out to work while women take care of children and the home. But by leaving the house, men areen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105749Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:45:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105749jason falls This, then, is the face of the freedom and democracy Iraq is to be blessed with. Starting with the "shock and awe" of the first bombings, through the sickening perversions at Abu Ghraib to the animalistic execution of Saddam Hussein, Iraq, the cradle of civilisation, has been turned into an atrocity exhibition.With the unprecedented media coverage and public attention that the current situation in Iraq continues to receive, it has become something of a microcosm of the seminal evils that plague humanity today. The war in Iraq needs to be analysed and put into proper perspective so that we may learn a lesson from it. This might be our last chance to realise how shallow and jaded we have become. It might be our last chance for preserving what is left in us that is good and pure and noble.It is perhaps our last chance for redemption. Regardless of what personal travails and domestic mandates tie us down, we cannot absolve ourselves of sharing the responsibility for the iniquities of our Governments and armies. We cannot feign ignorance of what is happening in Iraq. We cannot profess innocence. We are the gluttons that enrich and empower megacorporations with our conscious consumption of this planet's limited resources. We are part of the vicarious socioeconomic structure that requires war, that requires robbing the resources of the already destitute. We elect and re-elect the Governments that execute unjust wars and the Governments that aid and abet them. It is from the taxes we pay that the weapons that massacre innocents are bought. It is in our name and with our aid that all these misdeeds are perpetrated and that is why we should care and that is why we share a duty to do something. The other reason why we should care about what is happening in Iraq is that though we may forgive ourselves for our apathy and may quiet our collective conscience, history will not forgive us. We are setting a precedent for others-when it is our turn to be run through the mill, our cries will meet with silence too. The follow up to the war demonstrated the shameless dishonesty not only of certain politicians but also of the western media. Any pretence of impartiality in delivering the news was shed and the media by and large took part in creating an entirely false perception of Iraq's military capabilities and it's links with terrorism. The huge power yielded by megacorporations became evident as oil and reconstruction firms made immense profits within months of the commencement of the war. The sanguivorous version of capitalism fathered by Milton Friedman and his Chicago School economists was on display. Awarded a Nobel Prize for his dehumanising of modern economics, Friedman's "Laissez-faire" dream has become a nightmare for the poor and desenfranchised.To maintain obscenely excessive societies, the robber barons of the west continue scavenging profits from the rest of the world. There are limited resources in this planet we inhabit; the excesses of some must mean the deprivation of others. When private enterprises grow unchecked, they grow out of control and eventually become destructive manifestations of human greed. After every justification of the Iraq invasion was found lacking, the western media has now engaged in a childish rant blaming the Iraqis themselves for the current state of affairs. The poor Iraqis apparently lacked the will to set aside their differences and establish democracy. How unthankful of them, especially after all the sanctions, the bombing and Abu Ghraib. Three thousand people died in the attacks of September 11, 2001. Heaven and earth were moved to avenge these deaths, it was said that the World was forever changed by those attacks on American soil. "We will never forget" is the affirmation on each anniversary of the attacks. The question is, who will mourn for the Iraqi men women and children dying every day? It is 9/11 every day there; should we have an anniversary every day of the year for them? Why does the world not act with the same decisiveness and the same passion as they did after September 11, 2001 after each atrocity that takes place in the world? To quote Shylock's speech from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice"; ..."fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means, warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer as a Christian is... If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?" Civilisation and free thinking are not idiosyncrasies of western society.They have existed since the Sumerian's built cities at the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates.The Epic of Gilgamesh was written two thousand years before the story of Noah's Ark made it's first appearances as scripture. Yet the leaders of the west behave as if the Iraqis are savages who cannot be trusted to coexist like normal human beings, for them it is still the "white man's burden" to be hated for bringing civilisation to the savage. They still ask in disbelief "why do they hate us?" It is time to raise our voices, be it a muslim, christian, jewish or any other voice. It is time to let those we call our leaders and who act in our name know that we will not accept this war. That we will not accept any war. That we will not let this world that belongs to all of us become the hollow existentialist wasteland they want it to become. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105764Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:55:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105764Irwin, Woodland Hills, CAThere's not much to say other than the highlighting the hell that's going on over there. The hatreds and barbarities! I just hope the wounds can heal as soon as those instigators get the hell out of there. "There's no war crime greater than a war of aggression". That was said by a leading American jurist after WWII, and it never seemed more apt than today.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105788Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:05:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105788Bohdan Szejner, Kraków, PolandI have written a thousand times that President Bush should order President al-Maliki to separate the fighting parties immediately! That's pure common sense and moral duty when too much blood is being spilled in fighting between brothers! Sunnis should be sent to the left, and Shiites to the right. No exceptions! It does not take a rocket science, Gen. Petraeus, to use some barbed wire to cut Iraq in two from where the Tigris River enters Kurdistan, up to the Persian Gulf! You can patrol the DMZ to insure that there are no crossings. It's a necessary measure which need not be permanent! When the parties come to their senses, then we can talk about a sovereign Iraq!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105790Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:05:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105790Harlan Lewin"Stunning statistic" is right. It wiped the smile off my face for the whole day. What are we doing there? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105803Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:13:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105803Mike Oregon..and our idiot President was on television just this morning saying that "The Surge" was working. Tell me it ain't so! How many more people are going to die before this out of control failure is gone? How many of our children will be returned home, broken or maimed before we see the backside of this monster? Congress, I have TWO SONS IN IRAQ!!! I want every dime cut off for this folly. If Bush veto's that legislation, then repass it again. Do not pass one piece of spending authorization without a suspension of all funding for Iraq attached. Let Bush shut the government, if he is insane enough to do so. No Social Security, No Medicaid, No paychecks for government workers; not one dime for anything gets passed until thids madman is forced to do the will of the Amercian people.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105832Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:26:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105832Teri Kelson-Bledsoe, Ruidoso, New MexicoWe're with you Mike Oregon, and while we're at it, can we put congressional retirement on Social Security????http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105834Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:26:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105834Ken LeBrunOf an estimated 25,000,000 population in Iraq, 2 million of the best and brightest have fled the country, 1.5 million have been displaced internally, another 1/2 million or more are dead or wound as a result of the US invasion, and now we hear that there are some 3,000,000 widows in the remaining population. Gas lines are an all day event. Electricity is on for 2-6 hours in Baghdad. We are winning the hearts and minds with tanks in the streets, roadblocks at major intersections, snipers in abundance and soldiers kicking in the doors all hours of the day and night. We have an ongoing civil war and most of the world, that we needlessly humiliated, wants to see us get our butts kicked. Our military is close to broken, our vets are being treated disgracefully and the war cost will likely rise to more than 20 times the original $50 billion that we were sold by this administration. And all of this because 19 Saudis, trained in Afghanistan and funded from Pakistan, launched an attack in the U.S. with no involvement from Iraq. The politicians are talking about some kind of victory as if this were a high school football game, but with less planning. And we have nut jobs over here who say that we are winning?????http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105844Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:30:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105844Joseph, Richmond,, VASo last night George W. Bush plays the part of stand-up comic while the grotesque humanitarian nightmare caused mainly by him and his war of choice based upon manipulated intelligence and lies becomes bloodier by the hour. This spectacle only grows uglier as we, the public, are once again receiving yet more false messages from this mendacious White House that, due to the surge, conditions in Iraq are improving. What an incredibly sad, dispicable chapter in American history. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105855Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:33:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105855anna romano, worksop, Notts, UKI could not have put it better than Jason Falls. That is the most moving, most damning and most honest indcitment of not only of what we have done in IRAQ,but of all the motives underpinning colonialism and its wars. The shame is everlastingly ours. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105866Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:37:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105866Morad HaouchineAre this administration doing anything about the issue or left it to itself like everything else? These women need some support, but knowing the Arab world a little, these women are going to be left to themselves. The only thing to get them feel worthwile is finding something for them to do. Training them to be nurses is one thing for a start, considering the number of injured civilians they have. No body seems willing to talk about the number of injured U.S soldiers in Iraq, but the scandal of Walter Reed Medical Center gives us a very good idea. What did we do after War World II and other wars to deal with our women? I think there are plenty of things this country can do to help. After all we got them and ourselves in this mess. I think the problem is finding those "real heroes" who can step up to the plate regardless of their political affiliations. God helpess for our indifference.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105869Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:37:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105869JJ Graham, Pahrump, NVWhat about our widows here in the United States? I'm sure everyone reading this story has a "widow" in their family. But we are "winning"!!! At what cost do our politicians consider a "win"?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105874Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:40:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105874Mike P. Orlando, FLWow Jason, what are we supposed to do if another Hilter, Mao, Stalin, Napolian, Alexander, Pott or any other ruthless murderer gains access to 21st century weapons, and is blindly determined to end western influence on the planet at any cost. Chamberlans efforts in the early 20th century sure helped about 60 million innoncent people. Do you really believe that you live in the time when men tire of power. Get your head out of the sand, before you to cause destruction to the only good and decent influence in the world, the west. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105876Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:41:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105876steve, chicagoso none of you feel that we should bear the responsibility of making sure iraq becomes safe and secure since we're the ones that put it in the state it is? you think running out and abandoning it to the radicals and civil war is the answer? you all are seriously deluded. if we live it a disaster it will turn into a massive regional conflict and we will be back within 2 years. mark those words. we should be spending more money, not less to stabilize the country as soon as possible, its a better outcome for everyone. and for the young philosopher up top, war has been a part of human history a lot longer than civilization. your lofty ideals are nice, but wars are reality. thinking something should be better doesn't make it so. and romantic visions of the past are incomplete and inaccurate. the collective weakness of the US is what the terrorists and radicals count on. they know that if they spill enough blood americans will run away with their tails between their legs. not the military mind you, that's why they attack civilians and rarely engage US troops. but everyone back home isn't willing to pay the price for freedom and security. i believe its a concept known as appeasement. but if you give an inch, they want two more. see generally Hitler, USSR, Napolean and every aggressive conqueror in history. stand up and fight and let it be known that you will not be defeated under any circumstances. they fight for power and they get recruits because the kids have nothing. you won't fight because you're fat and happy with your big screen TV and too comfortable to risk it. but the time will come when the threat grows to the point where it must be fought. they're not going to just go away, but we can wait until its a lot worse.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105877Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:41:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105877what's the Truth?This is what happens when we elect and appoint too many pro-pro-Israel politicians in D.C.; we, i.e., Americans have no reason to be there. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105882Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:43:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105882Howard BealeMr. President, we have a saying where I'm from; I'm sure you have the same one in Texas. "If ONE person calls you an ass, that's their opinion - if MANY people call you an ass, get fitted for a saddle." Mr. President, I have a feeling that you'd buckle under the weight of the saddles you'd have to wear. The American people have voted. The American people have polled. Your Generals have spoken. The rest of the world is in shock. Just how many more do you need to realize that your map of TEXAS won't get you around anywhere but TEXAS? When will you get that even the LONE RANGER came, got rid of the bad guys, and left the people to fix their town up? And if the HEIRS TO THE ROYAL THRONE are getting ready to deploy, why aren't your daughters at least enlisted??? I'M MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE ANYMORE!!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105893Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:45:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105893Ted Street Belmont, NCIf we ( U S Forces ) leave, then what? Will there be no more killing?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105899Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:47:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105899Sara Jackson Chicago IllGod, please help all of the people to realize that this is not an easy question. If we leave the Middle East now....what message does it send to the terrorists? That we give up? Or that they win and we are afraid of them? No one wants anymore young American to die or be maimed. But the Muslim world is a large one. And they are all fanatics. The awful thing is....we really can't win in this area of the world....we could not hundreds of years ago...or now.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105927Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:55:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105927mattI am a US solider and i have one question for the american people, do you enjoy your everyday life? think about it before you anwser and remember it is because of soilders like myself and ones that have fallen that give you the right to freedom, freedom comes with a price and part of that is war and during war people will die innocent ones to, is it right no but it is our country and freedom that we are dealing with so stopping the money wont effect the president it will hurt us as soiders, husbands,wives,children,fathers and mothers http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105930Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:56:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105930jon ogbeni_oja, Detroit, MichiganOnly yesterday Goerge Bush was shown on tv referring to bloggers in Iraq claiming that calm has returned to Baghdad as everyone seem to be able to return to work, schools and stores now opened etc. I hope he reads this story as he continued to live in his own world. Tell a widow whose responsibility to it is now to take charge and provide for her children that stores now open then all is well! Pray will stores been opened bring the dead husband, son and father? The widow now becomes the family bread winner, the mother and father to her children. Bush is a liar and will continue to busy his head in the sand like the oshrict. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105932Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:56:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105932deedee schneiderBush and Cheney should be trial for war crimes! They are the true terrorists!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105951Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:01:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105951Shane Gilmore, Golden, ColoradoWhat are we doing there? It is easy to get caught up in the media hype and the constant drone of "we need to pull out." But thought needs to follow what will happen if we pull out now. "What are we doing there?" Trying to bring stability and establish peace. If we pull out things will be much worse. We need to remember the accomplishments of our military. A dictator has been removed. Do not forget the millions of Iraqis who put there lives on the line to go out and vote. Do not forget the absolute joy that was on their faces at being given the oppurtunity to vote. Do not forget the new constituition that has been written. It will take time for demoracy to take hold in this part of the world but our Big Mac mentality here in America wants everything now. And when it doesn't happen quick engough - everyone wants to quit. I am glad we sent a message to this part of the world - You can believe anything you want but you can not kill people just because they have different beliefs. Yes - there are many widows in Iraq. There were many widows at the end of World War II as well. Please remember - Freedom is not Free!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105955Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:03:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105955what's the Truth?Of course we (Westerners) are responsible. Since oil was discovered on the Arabian penninsula, the U.K. and the U.S. have sought to divide, manipulate and control various families, tribes and countries. To some extent Arabia was a theatre for cold war U.S.-Soviet antagonism. It would be very naive to believe that Iraq's internal fighting (call it civil war if you like) wasn't intended by our Master Statescraftmen! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105960Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:05:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105960what's the Truth?Sara, Muslims are NOT all 'fanatics' as you say. They are human beings, homo sapiens, just like us. They just happened to be born in Arabia and not in Chicago. If you study history, you'll understand that WE created the 'terrorists', i.e., pissed them off to the degree that now some of them hate us. That's what happens to oppressed people who have been screwed over. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105964Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:11:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105964Diane G. Sorey, Seymour, TNPresident Bush you are not your father. He at least had the sense not to continue the engagement the first time in Iraq. We never should have engaged in this conflict in the first place. You are corrupt, selfish, insensitive, idiot. You say we must win. What for? This is a slaughter on every side. Just who are the fanatics? I agree wholeheartedly with Jason Falls who is very accurate in his comments. He says it all. Geepahttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105967Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:13:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105967norbert, baton rouge, louisianaI would bet that sombody in jason falls' family tree fought a war so that he/she could have the freedom to make to make this comment. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105971Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:14:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105971Ron, Portland, OROIL, OIL, OIL - Thats what this is all about. Iraq has the second largest reserves of oil in the world, next to Saudi Arabia. Installing a puppet govt. in Iraq would give US full, unlimited control of oil supply. Is it a wonder that the first thing the US did after invasion was secure the oil supplies and pipelines? We are seeing 21st colonialism: Create a drama, fool your people you are doing good and invade another country for their resources. We are doing what the govt. wants us to do: argue. They want us to take our focus away from oil and argue whether our troops need to stay or come back. Our troops are more than enough.. but 80% of them are securing the oil installations.. because to us, OIL is more valuable than blood. If not, would we be consuming 80% of the world's resources with a population thats less than 15% of the worlds? All those who argue about eliminating terrorists, thugs are just chickens. There are other smarter ways to prevent terrorism that invading a country. If your neighborhood is surrounded by mosquitoes, you will never win if you go killing all the mosquitoes one by one. They will keep coming back. The smartest thing to do is secure your home with a net or a mosquito spray.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105973Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:14:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105973Kandi Canales, Chesapeake VAI still don't understand why we are there. You can't not fight against something that has been going on for many many many years. My children and I are consistently without the man of our home thanks to the awful President Bush. Sad thing is I actually voted for him both times because I knew that the military would get a raise. Well keep your money and give me back my husband and my children's father. We need him more than Iraq. My belief is if they want democracy they would have already made huge progress lets get out of there before anymore loved ones leave.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105979Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:18:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105979Jacob Jozefs, ConeyIsland Brooklyn, NYI know that the Jewish people have "KOHAN" and "JUDAH" where the former can claim direct descendant from Moses and the latter being directly descended from king DAVID. And it seems like these peace loving Brothers and Sisters get along quite well and rarely kill each other over such G-d given titles and right. So, why is the SUNNI and SHIA in Iraq, and elsewhere, are killing [each other] over their titles purporting it was given as an EXCLUSIVE inheritance from Mr. Mohammad himself et al to one side and not exclusive to Sunni folk? Are Judah folk and Sunni's folk SECONDARY Citizens or are Shia & Kohans folk FIRST CLASS ????? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105981Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:19:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105981JeffIt seems to me that the Division of Iraq is evident in coming future. This is the only hope for peace when three countries will emerge out of current Iraq. Shia, Sunni and Kurd areas can formulate these new countries. The violence did not start after the invasion of Allied forces. The first most major clash among the two sects occurred right after Prophet Mohammad when his grandson Imam Hussein was beheaded by the self appointed Caliph Yazeed right there at Karbala, Iraq marking divisions between Shittes (followers of Ali the fourth Caliph) and Sunnis (Followers of Prophet’s way of life or followers of all four caliphs). It is the curse of the massacre in Karbala 1400 years ago that the land never found peace and will never have till the end of time has reached. It’s been predicted by many. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105983Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:21:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105983Monte, KansasIf its bad now, wait till the Americans leave. Whole scale killings on an unprecedented level.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105984Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:21:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105984DaveLet the UN babysit the region, US military should not be babysitters. Civilization might have started there but it has degraded to children with guns and bombs fighting each other over thier religeous beliefs.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105987Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:23:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105987what's the Truth?Matt, Yes I enjoy my liberties and freedoms as a U.S. citizen-- and I (sincerely) thank you for your service as a soldier. WWII may have been a war for and about "freedom". The Iraq War, however, is really about oil and international energy statecraft. As long as there is chaos and insecurity in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, UAE and Iran will continue to sell oil cheaply... a good thing for an importer like the U.S.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#105997Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:28:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:105997what's the Truth?Shane in Golden- Our soldiers are not there to "restore" peace; that was never the intention. We caused the havoc and now we're keeping it going. This 'civil war' WAS the plan. Have a Coors and thank our CIA.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106002Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:31:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106002AKS, Miami, FL'Idiocracy' Have you watched the movie? Mr. President, seems like somebody made a movie about you. It is so sad, so sad that America has been raping the countries in the Persian Gulf for over 3 decades now. Playing politics, turning friends into enemies, violating neutrality treaties secretly. Promising power and taking away power. Creating the Shaw of Iran, Creating Saddam, Creating Bin Laden and strangling them. They would have never become who they are today without the wily, cunning political games played by 'US'. Now they have been bleeding Iraq endlessly. Law of nature would demand this burden to be bourne by the innocent people who voted these ediots to power. In some way....in some form....."Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106004Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:31:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106004Al, TXSara jackson, first of all you're obviously a racist, because no they're no all fanatics there so you need to stop talking if you're that damn ignorant!! I'm originally from there and a huge majority are normal people like you and me(maybe not like you!!) but the one thing you do have right is yes its a huge world over there and if there's just one percent that are fanatics then wow, we're gonna have to fight for quite a while!!!! I do agree though that I believe we can't and won't win there, you just can't defeat a whole population of people. I'm an American in the US army and have already been there and I saw it everyday!!! Have we not learned anything from history, from the 20th century to the begining of all religions, occupation and colonization doesn't work especially when the people don't want you there E.G. Vietnam, korea, afghanistan for the russians, all the way to the crusades and the muslim world invasions of back then!!!!!! NONE OF THEM WORKED!!!! If somebody attacks the US one day and tries to occupy it, I know that I will definitely be up in arms fighting the occupier in any way possible, probably be called an insurgent and a terrorist doing the same things those insurgents are doing in iraq right now. The occupier would probably be thinking that he is bringing us justice and his version of democracy and I hope that alot of americans would join me!!!!! Why do we think that those Iraqis are asking too much of us when they want us to leave!!! We actually had a movie guys, remember it anyone "RED DAWN" with american so called insurgents!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also why do we not just let them fight their civil war, hello almost every great nation had one including us!!!!!! WHY ARE WE BUTTING IN!!!!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106033Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:48:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106033Howard Beale Fort Hood, TXI will bet that the terrorists aren't interested in America in the way it's been presented. They may or may not like our way of life, but considering the conflicts in the Middle East have been in existence for CENTURIES, the only reason that we're a target is because we're interfering with it. A lot like why police officers hate responding to a DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE call. They mean well in helping, but frequently the parties involved turn on their supposed "saviors". Please explain to me how this is any different (in the grand scheme of the way things are working, please - no nitpicking).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106039Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:50:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106039ed lattanzio las vegas nvim glad we went into iraq we need to show the world we will not put up with terror. this country needs to pull its head of its rear better there than here because it WILL HAPPEN AGAIN next time it will be in your back yard. the demorats have no idea about any thing. they pulled our troops out of somlia, first of all our troops wanted to stay to fight but clinton and the rest of the demorats did he not only in 1998 lob rockets at iraq and what reason for that.....monica maybe. so where we in iraq the first time one word OIL not FREEDOM this country most people has forgitten about 9/11 the troops incrase im all for it the only mistake we made in iraq is we should of done it 2003 i support our troops and they will come home but the job isnt done yet. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106042Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:53:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106042Leo Sustaita , Clayton ,NCWhy is it that some care more about the perception of winning a war which can not be won than bringing our brave troops home.I for one shed tears when i think of all the kids whose parents are being killed or mamed never to be able to enjoy what this country is all about again.If this war was justified it would be a whole other story but that slime ball bush lied and decieved our nation into this mess.As for iraq let them fight it out amongst themselves, it is after all their country.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106054Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:57:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106054Al, Killeen, TXSarah you’re wrong, I'm originally from there and a huge majority are normal people like you and me, one thing you do have right is yes its a huge world over there and if there's just one percent that are fanatics then wow, we're gonna have to fight for quite a while!!!! I do agree though that I believe we can't and won't win there, you just can't defeat a whole population of people. I'm an American in the US army and have already been there and I saw it everyday!!! Have we not learned anything from history, from the 20th century to the begining of all religions, occupation and colonization doesn't work especially when the people don't want you there E.G. Vietnam, korea, afghanistan for the russians, all the way to the crusades and the muslim world invasions of back then!!!!!! NONE OF THEM WORKED!!!! If somebody attacks the US one day and tries to occupy it, I know that I will definitely be up in arms fighting the occupier in any way possible, probably be called an insurgent and a terrorist doing the same things those insurgents are doing in iraq right now. The occupier would probably be thinking that he is bringing us justice and his version of democracy and I hope that alot of americans would join me!!!!! Why do we think that those Iraqis are asking too much of us when they want us to leave!!! We actually had a movie guys, remember it anyone "RED DAWN" with american so called insurgents!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also why do we not just let them fight their civil war, hello almost every great nation had one including us!!!!!! WHY ARE WE BUTTING IN!!!!!! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106070Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:05:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106070Jerome CheathamFurther evidence that we should appreciate the opportunities and degree of stability we have in the US. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106073Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:06:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106073Lee Van Dyke, Fort Worth, TexasWhat if these terrorists think of themselves as freedom fighters as was done in Israel? We were lied to for justification but Sadam was a bad man. So where was the justification? How many Bad Men has the allied actions created? The Muslim religion is being subverted and pervirted to kill innocents. Where are the Imams to blast these lies and preach the truth? The true enemy is just a little south, that's where we should have seeked our revenge, but they were too powerful and Bush lacked the resolve. It's past time for partition to save those remaining.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106083Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:12:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106083K C in OKCI'm a American and I hate that our service personel and getting killed and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. I grew up during the Vietnam war and thought that was a stupid mistake also. It stopped the spread of communisim which was a major threat to our freedom. I can't image what the world would be like if the United States hadn't stepped in and confronted this threat. Wars are a terrible waste of young lives but everyone in the wolrd needs to know, you can't attack us or threaten our freedom without facing severe concequeces. I agree we should not be in Iraq now but how many inocent people will die if we leave now? A lot of people call our president an idiot. What do you call a man that wants nuclear weapons and thinks Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth? Look at the suffering in Dafur. What country has stepped forward to tackle that problem? As usual the world waits for the U.S to take action and then complain about the way we try to help. Name one country that has tried to help the worlds people more than the U.S. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106089Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:17:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106089john floridaJust a quick qestion, How many widows did saddam make out of his own people. As bad as it is now if this country got back to supporting our troops we could make shorter work out of it and reduce the number of people that have to suffer both our and theirs. if we did nothing how many widows would there be,and would we still be singing this tune. If we did nothing we got talked about, if we do something we still get the same treatment and whats worse it come from the same people that said that we just dont care. Well what the hell did you think war was, a walk in the park ! What the hell do you think it will be if we leave. With this many deaths happening with all the troops we have on the ground what the hell do you think thr numbers will be if we leave too soon.It's time for you bleeding hearts to grow a set and realy back the troops even if you hate the president they are still our troops in harms way.They also have moms and dads and sad to say widows.You want an end realy want an end give the troops all you support and stop the COWARDLY DEMONSTRATIONS BURNING FLAGS AND PUPPETS REPRESENTING OUR TROOPS. you need to ware masks to protect the faces of the cowards that you are. This country is what it is because of our brave men and women in the service and the you cowards can thank them for your freedom to make asses of yourselves any time you want. But at least have the balls to show your faces be brave not the COWARDS THAT YOU ARE. God Help all the people over there including our troops.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106093Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:20:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106093John Fiu, Orlando, FloridaThe Bath Party loyalists and Al-Qaida is killing the innocent Iraqis not the US. Tha Bathists have killed millions before they were thrown out of power. I guess some things never change despite US trying to free the people of Iraq. The Bathists will keep killing innocent Iraqis and the so-called liberals everywhere will blame US for everithing, as always.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106098Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:23:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106098Lisa McNeil, Alpharetta, GeorgiaI have always felt badly for the women in this region. When I view news reports from the Middle East I only see men out the streets fighting, pulling people out of rubble, or chanting in large groups. The women that are shown are always in black and crying over a loved one who has been killed. I cannot imagine being a woman and living in that country. Seeing your family killed by these groups just for living in a certain neighborhood. The groups that are causing all the violence are made up of all men. I wonder if the men that belonged to these groups had to cope with the same things that women deal with every month I bet that would keep most of them off the streets for at least a week or more. And seeing that there are so many of them not everyone would be off at the same time. That might hinder them going out to all those neighborhoods and hurting people. Anyway, I really feel badly for all the women and hope that someday they will not have to wear black in mourning and be able to live in a peaceful region. Peace to all!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106111Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:32:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106111Linda Klinefelter, Sequim, WAWhen all you have to offer is hopelessness then that is all you will get and it is easy to lead youth like sheep over the edge. This war that we made is senseless and useless. It only created more hatred among all sides. It will be a long time coming before the wounds will be healed...if ever!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106129Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:47:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106129NicholeAnyone who wants to know where the internal strife in Iraq is coming from needs to look no further than the history of our intervention in Latin America. Does no one find it confusing that the sect of Sunni and Shiite that have been intermarrying and living in peace for hundreds of years are now killing eachother in the same fashion that the contras were doing when we were training them? The US is the state known all around the world as the terrorist state. This is known even in Europe.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106133Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:49:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106133Larry, Orange County, California As long as we are all feeling so sorry for the Iraqi's and Saddam, and don't forget about his darling sons, lets not forget who started the eight year war with Iran and invaded Kuwait. Millons lost their lives also in those wars too! Sometimes wars are needed just like police are needed, we don't want them and don't always like them, but unfortunately we live in a very dishonest world.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106140Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:52:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106140Ron,Chehalis, WashingtonImpeach Bush @ www.votetoimpeach.org and tell congress enough is enough. Let this senseless war be over. Bush is only doing this war for himself, not America. It's along time waiting for Bush to go, and noe is the time. he has done enough damage.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106142Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:55:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106142Charles Legare, Orange Park, FLI believe it's time. It's time for the United States to leave Iraq. Why we went there is no longer a reason to stay, the reasons have all been proven a lie or at the least missleading information from those we are supposed to trust to filter the bad information out. This war has become a travesty. I grant you that if we leave someone else will come in to take over, yes it will probably be Iran, because we have killed the Sunnies who were protecting the Country of Iraq from becoming totally Shia. What a hugh blunder. We are still killing them while we support a government that is allowing us to do their dirty work. We have a great propaganda machine in the US, copied almost verbatim from the German/Nazi play book, even our children are being indoctrinated in early school years to the glory of being a soldier and the glories of war. I agree, we need a strong military to protect our Homeland, but we don't need to protect the rest of the world. We as a country can withstand ANY attact on our country, and keep ANYONE out we don't want in if we'd only uphold the laws we presently have on the books. We must come home... For every Iraqi family we humilate by design or by accident we create a hundred years of terrorism from their relatives. Pull out, secure our borders, Stop letting Israel conduct our foreign policy based on the "Chosen people" nonsense. We have given Israel enough. I am retired military (26) years, I am not a "peacenik", but neither am i an IDIOT!! It is time for Congress to STOP lying to the American people re their opposition to the war and start doing their job. Our congress is just one big well of smart lawyers, called STAFF who tell OUR representatives what to say and do, they are unelected, uncontrolled and we continue to allow it. Wake up America, or is it already to late?.. I think it's time as well to "Throw the bums out".http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106163Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:07:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106163Pete, MichiganI never cease to be amazed at people so quick to condemn the very heart of what our nation stands for. Freedom. When this conflict is over, the Irqui peoople will be free. But they must also be willing to pay for that freedom, even the highest price. Many of them already have. Our nation and a VERY few select other nations offered their young men and women to fight for the rights of a people that were so oppressed they could not stand up for themselves. That is an honorable thing. No one wants peace more than a soldier. But never forget that those people who are evil, who detonate the explosives that kill and maim innocents, that execute others because they are of a different faith, that connive and plot (succesfully I might add) to divide and weaken the will of America are a minority. But they are powerful because they are willing to shed whatever blood is neccesary to accomplish their goals. Keep in mind, no, NEVER forget that they attacked us without provacation on september 11th. I say without provacation because they randomly chose over 2,000 innocent non combatants to murder so they might make there hatred for all that is good and free known to the world. There is only one way to stop beasts like this from becoming the tyrants they dream of being and that is to fight them. In the words of John Stuart Mills, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." I detest the insurgents and what they are doing, not only to our soldiers, but to the Iraqui people themselves. Had they the same attitude that many of the writers above have then this would have ended after the fall of Hussein. Instead, they used the opportunity to bring hell on earth to an already beaten down population. Stop blaming our government for standing up where many of you cannot or will not. I almost have more respect for the insurgents than for many of those commenting here because they at least are willing to stand for what they believe in and die if called upon. Rest assured though, if we do pull out, if we cave in to these animals, they will come here knowing that this once great nation has lost it's will. They will bring their Jihad here and it will be our malls, our police stations and schools that will be destroyed, our children maimed and killed. These people know no mercy, the face of evil knows no mercy. And they will show none to us when they come here. In an interview with the press, Bin Ladin said "we love death the way you americans love life and that is why you will lose" (this is often repeated in various forms by otheer insurgent leaders. You stand for something or you stand for nothing. Our nation, wether you agree with it or not, has decided to stand against evil. But as Matt (above) infers., if you cut off funds, if you stop now it is our men and women fighting abroad that will ultimately pay the price. No one loves war, no sane person anyway, but no one loves oppression either. You can't have it both ways. Those that oppress will ALWAYS oppress. Those that will not be shackled will always give their lives for freedom. And as Mills stated, those not willing to fight for that freedom should not have it. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106171Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:13:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106171jim txwhats the truth maybe not all muslims are fanatics , the media has taught the world to say "it's only the radicals" or "the fanatics". what makes them radicals is when the commit the violent act. the ones that only think about it and support the actions of the "radicals" are the good muslims. we did not create this! they preach hate and death from father to son it's in every part of thier culture. if we are not there , they turn on each other. they are a waiste of our time and men to try and help them. fight the war , win the war and leave. no occupation , no rebuilding. let them clean up after thier sacred jihad enough times and maybe they will not be so supportive. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106175Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:15:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106175Scott, Denver COOnce again complaints and bitching but no solutions. Withdrawl is only feasable if there is a plan to secure the peace. But just leaving doesn't really solve anything. Then the USA will have made two bad policy errors. 1. Invading on a lie.(Bush and Republicans) 2. Leaving with no plan to win a peaceful solution. Total war between all Muslims (Hillary and Democrats) Good thing we only have 2 real parties. Just think of the damage the Reform party could inflict.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106179Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:16:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106179waka, caIs this now end of the war? Is our President not satistified of the outcome of the said aggresion to Iraq?Where is our concience as human to see bloodshed everyday of innocent people because of misinformation that iraq has the power to attack America? MISCONCEPTION? RIGH OR NO but death is part of the daily life in iraq.Windows and orphans will be there waiting to grief and cry.are we so greedy for oil by allowing this killing activities? Do we have the word concience in the mind of the politician? Or the just wnat to profit from the war per se?How do we want this kind of life that both sides will suffer the agony of a wrong unjustified decision to go to war with iraq? Lifve is precious as just like the family ties, muslim, christian or whatever his religion is.Most of dignity of oneself. be honest to people that one commited mistake. adding death everyday is not the solution to cover such mistake.Hopefully this effect in the war iraq can be personally enjoyed by the person who made such decision to declare war to Iraq. That is my last wish for him .http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106199Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:29:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106199Jule Freeman, Albuquerque, NMTo paraphrase Sarah Jackson this is a complex problem and I'm sure I don't have all the information to make the very best decisions. However the one overridding truth is that the Iraqi people that are being so devastated by this war are just like you and me. Everyday, plain people who just want to love their families and raise their children and be happy. The bottomline for me is I can't imagine trying to live my life in the middle of the equavalent of 9/11 every day. We need to let go of the ideologies of right and wrong and find a peaceful way to coexist in the world. We need to stop this unjust war, we need to be prepared to rebuild what "shock and awe" and five years of war has done to these people. I believe in our right to protect ourselves but I do not believe in preemptive war. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106205Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:36:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106205Give it time, CaliforniaI wonder if in 1865 us Americans were not asking ourselves the same question. 1 million dead and for what, freedom (if you can call it that) for slaves. Heck, it only took 55 more years to foster the belief that women should have the right to vote. I guess the people in Iraq should be given a 5 year time table to do what Americana could not do in 50+ years. What is up with everyone and their instant gratification.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106213Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:44:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106213naushad datey newyork i have never seen a articale like this before and my eyes are tearing from this and jason falls u deserve to a true american for having a heart like this for saying the truth from every heart regardless of his faith may allah bless u http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106243Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:09:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106243Hei RachyMr Jason Falls article is the most compelling truth ever portrayed in writing by a person. Kudos Mr Falls. Never read better before.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106249Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:10:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106249you have the rightI wrote a LONG message responding to several comments here. But at the end I realized it was fruitless. So, instead I'll write this. You want the innocents to quit dying? You want the Coalition forces to leave the country? You want peace in Iraq? Since what the coalition forces are doing there is wrong, and you are so right - you go there and make it peaceful, and my son and my brother can come home to be with their families. Put up, or shut up.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106261Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:17:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106261A JamalWomen did not wear black for other member her family if they die, only her husband, it sould be white cloths, black is above white cloths and she would refrain make ups and other cosmatics for 6 months THIS ISLAM tradition NOT Iraqi, most of western media always ignorant mistakes like this.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106284Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:30:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106284A JamalSara I am Muslim and not fanatic you fighting to fill up your SUV, my dying for cursed OIL, America will never invade Iraq if there was no OIL. You believe what every thing they (your GOV and Media) tell you, it seems you are brain washed and believe whatever you hear from FOX News and other liars. Wake up explore the world. Your Government policy are the problem, if you go lot of countries around the world you will see how people Christian, Hindu, buddies and atheist etc. hate your government polices and sometimes American people too. Go to Brazil, Philippines or Spain you will notice what other people see about your government policies, but you did not know because you get you information from the corrupted media. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106299Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:47:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106299Man wants peace..not piece.I have seen many Questions like .."If we leave iraq,there will not be any more iraq.."..think who started this..5 years back,it was a peaceful place..everybody has food ,money,family and job..who destroyed everything without any reason..? Who is goig to be our next victim..? We are creating enemies faster than we can kill them..http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106301Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:48:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106301 Mike Jones Springer N.M. Why do we blame our president for everything? He is not sending sucide bombers into markets to kill innicent people, We have to share some blame but we are not all at fault for the problems of the world. The base for all the fighting in the middle east is the hate they have for Isreal, they hate us because we back Isreal, neither position is going to change soon. If all our troups came home tomorrow it would not stop terror or civil war in Iraq but would cause more death.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106321Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:07:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106321John Doe, ThailandWhether or not you agree with President Bush or Congress the reality is we as american's created the mess in Iraq and we have a moral and ethical duty to work with the rest of the world to fix it. Both sides of our government is forgetting that. I was in Iraq for 16 months and worked with Iraqi's and seen the devastation that both sides are causing to each other and to the troops that are there. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106365Fri, 30 Mar 2007 01:01:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106365cat, monroe mii am proud to be in this engagement for it was not too long ago that I would not have been alowed to vote, or had my voice heard just because i was female. i think every one should be able to be heard. if the vote isn't the way you want, oh well just force them to believe that it doesnt count, kill them if you must, and get your own agenda fullfilled. excuse me, but isnt this what most of you are arguing. i am happy to see that we can speak our minds. but are you going to stand by and watch someone kill me because I don't agree with your opinion? thankyou president bush and any other members of this country who think it is wrong to look the other way. these people voted for what they wanted, thinking that if they did they would be safe to do so (or at least protected until the time their votes were upheld, and now that we are being injured or hurt we want to pull out on them. shame on you and shame on us, we should be there to protect them, the government that "they" not us - voted for. sometimes the sword is mightier than the pen. i just hope that someone will keep fighting for the rights "we" as a country have voted for.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106415Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:37:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106415chrisFrom a former soldier: 3 honorable discharges. I discharged from the military because of all the political B.S. First of all, the arogance of the little king from texas, born of the belief that he isn't accountable to anyone, because only he is the decider, failed to realize that the arabs that are involved in this failed excersise, have been living for thousands of years as an individual thinking society. Individual thinking, meaning each head of household was responsible for their individual family's survival. Tribesman. Democracy requires a collective inititave of meny to accomplish a successful society, which also requires trust of others, which is non exsistant in iraqi society. Democracy is not only not understood in that culture, it is also not possible. Little bush's incompetncy, and self believed lies, cannot generate trust from anywhere, or anybody. In the old school military, you could depend on your chain of command.. Now, everybody is worried about a political violation, and being thrown under the bus, and losing their carieers. Our deciders are insulated from consequences of their own decisions. Bush needs to put his daughters in an LAV, and only then will I believe he is willing to risk ANYTHING of his own, on his dicisions. Naturally, it continues, Do as I say, Not as I do. Holy War is the biggest oxymoron, and has the potential to Kill us all.I am still willing to fight, but only for a leader who leads by EXAMPLE. Not B.S. Quit relabeling lies that dont work. We're not stupid. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106431Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:22:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106431Jeanette, San Antonio, TXWow! People history repeats itself as long as they are humans there will be war. That is a fact of life. We in the US have the liberty to speak are minds, that is why I love my country. And lets be realistic no matter what the US does they're never right in the eyes of other countries we are a wealthy country and that burns. People there is not and never will be any politician that will resolve all of are problems. Much prayer is what we need, God bless our troops, my hats off to them. God bless to all out there.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106449Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:57:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106449frederick John GeorgeWake up America 9/11 came about because George senior attacked Kuwait to get to Saddam,killing innocent people in the process.This is the arab world getting back at U.S.A.Of course after Hussein was captured why did we not let sleeping dogs lie instead of creatting so much hatred.We may mean well but would we want armed soldiers walking down our streets. Regards Fredhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106470Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:00:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106470Mike,Tracy,CaliforniaThis will probably not be posted ....but what the heck....President Bush has a backbone...unlike most of these bloggers...in life nothing is free...like the right to free speach. Our military has gained us many rights that so many forget....rights that are thrown back in their faces...(i am not in the military by the way)...i do not need to go into depth...just read the above blogs to get the flavor....of people that do not represent the core of the United States Citizens...our heroes work for us in Iraq let them do their job...let our warriors who are trained for war..and the decisions that go with that...stay with them....backed by our President....voted by our congress....and if you vote you must do your own research....think on that...you must do your own research...your own....http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106483Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:00:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106483tom frisby, Piedmont, SCThe comments indicate the passion of our people, and also the complexity of the issue. The prosecutuion of this civil war has been a travesty but since we started it, what should morally we do now to protect and comfort those, like the three million widows, whom we have put in harm's way. I opposed the war, and the prosecution of the war, but I also oppose turning our backs on the millions of displaced Iraqis, those Iraqis who do not have infrastructure left for commerce or comfort in their homes, or safety on their streets. What is our moral responsbility now that we have created this situation? We cannot abandon the people we have done this damage to. So what is the answer? I wish I knew, but it is not the continued participation in a civil war. Perhaps, it is the most massive Marshall Plan since WWII, with the EU and Arabian states and Asian states participating in a universal commitment to restructure Iraq and help its people resume normalcy.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106488Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:44:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106488zachariae, honolulu, HIits the great game again, same game, sligthly different players, same prize - oil and world domination. The whole war was started on falsehoods and whoever instigated it should have to pay reparation to country they have proceeded to ruin systmatically - all in the name of democracy and freedom. They must take us all for fools. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106497Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:08:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106497santanathe US invasion of iraq on behalf of israel and oil companies is the cause of all the atrocities in iraq.the destruction of iraq,s infrastructure was deliberatley caused by western imperialism so the reign of zionist terror can go on unopposed by the main adversary of israel which happened to be iraq.no wonder lieberman,shumer and other zionists and their mercenaries want this criminal racist war to continue.the true losers in this criminal war are the american people and in particular the iraqis who have lost more than a milion of their population through genocidal sanctions and attacks by zionist dominated american regime.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106503Fri, 30 Mar 2007 09:42:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106503MikeA Big Mac mentality started this war. Most Americans probably had no idea of where Iraq was on a map before 1990. So why was the war started? Because the Dictator (who was our friend and kept Iran from inciting radical religious views to other parts of the Mideast), stopped being our friend? No one believes WMD or Al Quetta ties anymore, so our grand justification is now to bring Democracy into the region. Who gave us the right to decide what type of government other countries should have? Are we equating superpower status as the right to occupy countries? I joined the US Army as an Intelligence Analyst/Russian Linguist to try a stop another superpower from doing the exact same thing. But enough about the beginning of the war; the question is what to do now. Do we stay as an occupying power for the next 10 years? Do we leave and hope the regional alliances (which are now becoming more vocal) control extremists and establish boarders for each fundamentalist group? Neither answer is right, and there will be thousands of deaths either way. Regardless of what we do, I believe there will be another (terrorist, freedom fighter, warrior of God, etc) attack in America. Who do we then blame then? Al Quetta, Sunnis, Shiites, Saudis’, Iranians, Muslims? We, in one way or another, have made them all hate us long before 911, but now they know to hurt, divide and confuse us. I do not claim to have any answers (nor pretend to have any idea of the surface problems I just glossed over), but believe education would be helpful. Back to the Big Mac mentality; I saw a British comedy bit where the reporter asked Americans if we should go to war with Uzbekistan because they are a threat to the United States. Almost every one said yes. It reminded me of the ignorance most of my Russian Instructors described before they emigrated, in the Soviet Union population,. I did not believe an entire country could blindly accept what they were told, but after this war, I firmly believe in the stupidity of man, no matter where they live. Now I have go, because McDonalds is about to close, and in this black and white world, I really need a Big Mac. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106711Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:55:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106711W.D.RussellYes, Saddam is gone. Yes, they do have a constitution. Yes, they did vote. TIME TO LEAVE.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106712Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:55:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106712Mark, Stillwater, Oklahoma“The price of freedom is a heavy burden; but at some point, the price becomes too great of a burden that it crushes us.”http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106900Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:00:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106900JorgeFor those who think that the US leaving Iraq right now before we secure a peace is wrong, we have no choice. The reason we must leave so hastily is because some idiot sent us in there with no exit strategy. It's not Congress that must find a peace plan because there isn't one. It was Bush's job and, as usual, he botched it and ignored it. When we invade without an exit strategy then how can we leave in an orderly fashion? It was never planned out and so such a plan does not exist. We don't have a moral duty to fix the mess Bush created; Bush has that moral duty but he neither recognizes that nor has any idea how to go about fixing the mess he created. So we have to leave. Staying is not an option. Face it, people, we're going to leave Iraq exactly the same way we left Vietnam if Bush is allowed to continue. Congress must withhold funding and force the administration to start bringing our people home. Don't blame "liberals" for this--blame your president. Btw, I am not a liberal, I am a proud veteran who served in the Middle East. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106928Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:19:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106928Dana - GermanyI fully agree that Iraq is a disaster and I feel quite bad about that. But, in terms of the widows issue, maybe a negative can bring a positive here. Maybe this will be an opportunity for Iraqi women to decide their own fate for once. I would love to see those women take off the blackness that covers and limits them. These women should join together, help each other, educate each other, and change their role in society to a productive, outspoken, and determined one. I would love to see some of those women form the new government there (with the help of the US). Who knows, that just might help lead to peace in the region.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#106977Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:45:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:106977NicholeMike (NM), I wouldn't be so proud for the US supporting Israel. The atrocities that they commit there are beyond what one can imagine, which you would know if you got any of your news from a source other than conventional US media but since the majority of Americans are so used to getting all of life's needs at such ease they think that accurate information can be obtained at the same speed as they pick up their fast food every night.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107088Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:39:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107088Michelle, CaliforniaThere are so many points to make about 9/11, the war in Iraq and Al Qaeda that it's easy to forget that they are not all entirely related. Al Qaeda staged 9/11, not Saddam. In retribution for 9/11, the world should have been hearing about the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan; the places where Al Qaeda had mainly been centered. Instead, we all heard about the war in Iraq. But why Iraq? It wasnt about democracy... that was just an after thought. It obviously wasnt about "Peace in the Middle East" because that would've have been better addressed in Jerusalem. It wasnt even about religion, because we Americans should know that everyone has a right to believe or to not believe. If the issue was Oil or potential WMDs, we couldve invaded Libya or Iran. We know why there was a war... countries become rich from war... we're able to employ our own people to rebuild other countries and investments substantially increase. But again I ask, WHY IRAQ??? I am scared to believe that it was only Iraq because of an "unfinished agenda." If America really wanted retribution for 9/11, it would have found it in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Al Qaeda is still there, but the opposition has become much stronger, more determined and increasingly diverse (Madrid Train Bombings, London Underground Bombings, Indonessian nightclub Bombings, Sharm el-Sheik Bombings). Now Iraq is left with a deeper sectarian divide and a humanitarian nightmare. We should replace our troops with more food, clean water and electricity. The money for Iraq is being wasted. If you want someone to stop hating you for terrorizing them, you dont approach them with a gun or with far off ideals; you approach them with smiles and peaceful assistance. The Iraqi people need food, water and electricity. When they receive what they need, then you will see the hate start to subside and humanity emerge. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107207Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:34:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107207Quarter Pounder - hold the cheeseHey Nichole, some Americans may be naive about one-sided news coverage, but you sound just as naive about assuming Americans eat fast food every night. That's like me saying that all French people only eat croissants and Spanish people only eat ham. Applying sterotypes to people is quite lame. By the way, many Americans are vegetarians...following the wise words of Morrissey...meat is murder.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107351Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:29:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107351J Smith, Calgary, CanadaYour soldiers are just a bunch of murderers dressed up in military clothing. We Canadians are sickened by your lack of care for Iraqi civilians - do you know how many have died? No, why not?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107400Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:45:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107400Tony, Sacramento, CaliforniaThe money we spent in Iraq would've paid for healthcare insurance for the US population. Whether the reason for invasion is just or not is not important. How we handle the next 2 years is. We cannot let politicians run military matters. Yes, let them run the budget, but telling generals how to fight wars is counter productive. How can men and women who have not served tell solders how to fight and when. The US will eventually leave Iraq, but it needs to be US terms. Whether people believe it or not, Iraq is not under a dictatorship, but is democracy. The people in the ME need to realize it and stop the violence. Why can't people put aside religious differences and join together and rebuild a country that was run into the ground before the invasion. They can benefit from US interest in oil. Roads need to built, schools to educate labor, etc. But no, they'd rather fight over what music can be played or the shaving of beards and shoot at soldiers in tanks. The mullahs, clerics, and other fundamentalist leaders need to get their heads out of 7th century beliefs and join the West in the new millenium for the benefit of all. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107621Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:31:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107621Jahwar HiroriLet us think of what will happened not what had happened...Iraqi Have been in fighting for years, lets help them for beter life not continue to kill them..Dont forget gas and maskers by brotel regaim...http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107782Sat, 31 Mar 2007 01:09:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107782Solomom HPeople. The war we are fighting is senseles. I have read all the comments and it reminds me of what was being said by our goverment during the Vietnam War (I am a combat veteran of that war) "We have to stop the commies now. Its a dominoe effect." What bull! If we had stuck with the plan after the attack and gone after the Taliban and El Quida right now we would be heroes instead of Imperialist. Its my firm belief, that if you don't have a fighting age son or daughter that you are willing to sacrafice to this war, then your comments should be limited to what you are able and willing to contribute. I have two sons and a daughter and I am not willing to sacrafice them to this war within Iraq. Everyone knows we don't belong there and we are only encouraging insurgency, not controlling or eliminating it. Send Ambassadors and assistance not blood and guts. End this war, Now! Bring our men and women home.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#107950Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:48:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:107950MellisaSo lets see we should of never had Revolutionary War Civil War, World War One and Two? Im sure there were no deaths or widows. So we should of done nothing when Saddam invaded another country? I'm not understanding this attitude of sit around wait to see how many people these dictors kill. How many times are we going to take attacks from these people? They refuse hello refuse to work with the UN. How many times has he broken agreement with the UN? So tell me oh peace lovers how do you work with countries who flat out refuse to work with you. Maybe do what Clinton did ignore it bomb asprin factories and it will go away. Even with Clinton in office they tried to bomb the World Trade Center even before that with other presidents with other targets. We have to be in the mid east plan and simple we need govenments there that are stable and ones that want to bring peace. After all isn't that what you peace people want. Well I got news for you just like freedom peace comes with a price.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#108056Sat, 31 Mar 2007 11:44:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:108056Geezer, Manassas, VirginiaAs an older American, I have seen our country rise to defend others who can't defend themselves. Saddam was a bad guy. So were Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Milosevich, Stalin, Hirohito, etc. etc. --- and unfortunately many tyrants we supported (and still support) only because it fit (and fits) our ideology at the time. If we blindly follow leaders, we are no better or stronger than the people who follow the dictators we hate. It's time, independent of Bush, to determine whether the president or the people of the US are superior. We have always asserted that the president serves the people --- not the other way around. We must now step in to stop another wannabe dictator: Bush. This man believes he serves no one but his own will --- and his own will is muddled and bent to personal self-interest. Let's stop this Iraqi war before it becomes a war in the US. The people of the mideast are fully capable of handling their own problems at this point. They know more about Iraq than we do. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#108080Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:29:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:108080ChrisVery sad story - I notice many women in black in photos. Saddam wasn't mentioned as causing most of these widows, and also most have been created by "fellow" Muslims. Hopefully they will be able to make their religion peaceful someday so the different sects will stop killing each other.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#108082Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:31:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:108082chrisTo Jorge: there has been strife within Islam ever since Mohammed died. The US was foolish to get involved in their religious feuds. Hatfields and McCoys worked out their problems, hopefully Muslims will do the same so they and the rest of the world can live more peacefully.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/105681.aspx#271087Sat, 14 Jul 2007 23:53:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:271087Kevin Branson, Chicago, ILWe are starting a new TV Show with Steve Wilkos and we are wanting to do a single parent of the month and for our first one we want to do a widow from iraq with children if you konw anyone who fits this description than please contact me, Kevin Branson or Holly Bry at jsproducer7@aol.com thank you