Iraq's Valley of Peace

Karen R. Owens, Downingtown, PA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:50:07 GMT

I keep thinking about the living innocents, those who have witnessed horrible violence, those who have lost loved ones and friends, and those who have been wounded themselves. What will become of them, especially the younger generation? They are not getting the medical care they need. I often wonder if the United States is doing all it can to make sure that these victims are taken care of.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Mike, Phoenix AZ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:00:16 GMT

If they would stop killing eachother this would not be the case. We could bring our service men and women home.

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Ey, Alex WA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:28:27 GMT

Mike, thats very wrong and accrossthe line of what you think or assumed is happening. These Iragis did not ask for the war on their innocent children. It is very shameful for whoever thinks they have a say in what's going. We think when we are confortably sitted in our air conditions then we can say whatever we want without thinking of the hurtful impact on others. That's very hurtful. We should be ashameful of ourselve for the quagmah idealogy we created this world to be. These Iragis did not deserve this for a minute so say nothing if you have nothing to say.

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Lisa, Seattle, WA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:30:15 GMT

It's very sad, because many innocents in Iraq are trapped and unable to get out of that mess. Their own countrymen and government are responsible for the bloodshed.
'I often wonder if the United States is doing all it can to make sure that these victimrs are taken care of.' For crying out loud, Karen, what is it that you would like the US to do? I think the losses borne by our soldiers and their families, is more than enough.

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terry — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:31:56 GMT

I agree with Mike from Phoenix----if they would STOP KILLING EACH OTHER, then maybe we could bring our troops home safe and sound. I want everyone to be free but they are killing each other over differences of opinions.

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John H. Scott — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:37:42 GMT

This will go on until thier religous leaders and people have had enough. Just as it has for thousands of years.

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jim hummelstown pa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:40:19 GMT

Let the people of Iraq Vote... American stay, or go home... True democracy. If iraqs people dont want us there... Then Bush there is your answer no matter what the course YOU want.

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Noah Pantel, Toronto, Canada — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:42:51 GMT

If one is to foster and maintain a fair and unbiased blog, they should NOT be screening posts. It is in such an environment that the required media spin can be accurately pushed using the apparent opinions of one particular bias. The only two approved posts are left-wing, idealist appeals for an end to situations without a call for awareness of the powers and principalities that are causing those very situations. We all know that people whining about the war is not going to stop the elite jugernaut. People, wake up!

NBC, if you really are an independant news blog you will allow this post through to the American people who desperately need to hear a voice other than that which they have been spoonfead by the mixed corporate media. If you do not, then only I will know the truth.

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Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:43:47 GMT

Don't worry about this. Concern yourselves with the lives and evential deaths of your own famlies and loveones. This story is an ageless one. It is tribal. One tribe against the world in the name of god.

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Bob, Atlanta — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:53:24 GMT

Let's see - it's their fault you invaded them?

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Keith — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:08:37 GMT

The problem with letting the Iraqis vote us out is that just because a majority doesn't want us, that doesn't mean the minority can be totally ignored. If a true democracy were the best solution we would use it outselves in the US. More than half the population wants something, they get it, no matter what. Can you imagine how disastrous that would be?

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Tom, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:13:52 GMT

No, it's their fault we FREED them and they can't manage it.

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Richard, panama City Beach,Fl — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:17:00 GMT

Wake up people we brought this civil war on these people with our arrogance and need for oil. This is what we reduced these people too.

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Glen Gordon Jamaica — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:17:11 GMT

Can the good lord ever forgive George Bush not only
for the innocent Iraqis, but young men and women of
The USA?

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andy, charleston s.c. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:32:06 GMT

The warfare is no longer between nations , as in recent past World history. It now is between cultures.

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Honza P — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:32:27 GMT

Dear Bob from Atlanta, before we invaded them they had at least 600,000 in mass graves from the last regime alone, 20% of their population was internally or internationally displaced, and they lost about 10% of their population in wars with Iran, Kuwait and low intensity conflicts with Syria and a few other countries, Israel and Saudi Arabia included. International sanctions were, if the UN is to be believed, killing thousands of their children yearly for lack of antibiotics, public health services like sewage treatment and immunizations.
Your conclusion is that the problem Iraq faces is that the USA invaded this lovely Nirvanah, because before we weren't afflicted with having to see what was going on. As we Slavs used to say, Pravda Vitezi, even if people like yourself miss the point entirely.
Your assertion is rather like saying America was responsible for Hungarian casualties in 1956. We could have helped Budapest more then and Baghdad now, to be sure, but the people actually murdering people, Communists then, now generally the ethnically motivated Sunni Arab revanchists and Baathists who are increasinly allying with the government in Baghdad but more importantly the Al Qaeda transplants who incited the latest surge in sectarian killings with Iranian assistance in order to get us to throw in the towel and leave, are responsible for the deaths.
Distinguish between the sheepdog and the wolf please. Both kill, but there's a world of moral differenc between the two.

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Honza P — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:32:29 GMT

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ptnm — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:35:43 GMT

We should stop this somehow. And we need to protect ourselves. Now at home. Contact potectnonmuslims@yahoo.com

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:37:27 GMT

Dear Michele, No matter what the religion of these people all of them belonged to a family. It is just horrible to learn how many of them end up being found and that the only marker on their grave is a number. The civilians who have to dig the graves must really find it hard to view the bodies, but I suppose after a while they probably become immune. I don't know how they do it. All one can hope is that all are at peace in the Valley of Peace. Hopefully the ones who are able to live and not become victim to violence will find peace in their region. They are in desperate need of peace. I hope it comes soon. Peace to all!

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Down with Iraq — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:37:36 GMT

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Paige, Denver CO — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:38:54 GMT

Karen of Downingtown, PA - Why should our government do all it can to take care of the innocent victims in Iraq when it won't even do all it can to take care of our own military personnel who are risking life and limb to try to save a country that clearly does not want to be saved? It's been a religious war for thousands of years and until the differing religous leaders decide and learn that they really can live in peace, Iraq, as well as similar countries, will always be at some type of war. I don't support the war, but I do and will continue to support our troops. It will take very strong leaders to change Iraq. It's not up to - and should not be up to - the U.S. to do so. The U.S. did it's job when they were asked, and successfully, captured Sadam Hussein. It should be up to Iraqi leaders to create a peaceful country where anyone should be free to believe as they choose without worry of retribution.

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Charles Bryant, Lakeland, Fl — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:41:32 GMT

It is correct to say it is not the USA Armed Forces fault that are causing the trouble at all. They were sent by one man that lied to have his way in going to Iraq. There were no WMD's there Sadam was contained and imposed no threat to the USA. Therefore I say the President with his stupidity and wanting to rule the world is the prime cause of the bigest problem. I think George W Bush should be suited up and sent to fight along with the people he sent to Iraq. I think he would come back with a different poin of view.

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Ashley Tucson, AZ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:08 GMT

Ok Bob, so I see that you are not a citizen of the US? And yes it is their own fault. It is the fault of everyone whose blind hatred leads them to killing one another and wanting to kill everyone that is different from them, such as Muslim extremist do. Do you know what they want? They want to conquer the entire globe for Islam. How different is that from Hitler?

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charles,Olympia — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:09 GMT

We are the occupyers, they do not have say in regards to their wants and needs. We are emposing our western idealogies against their tribal beliefs. Britain tried and failed many years ago. Democracy? for who?

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Ron Nowell, Whitehopuse, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:18 GMT

Let's see, they had a DICTATOR that was killing, raping and torturing the Irag people. So we come in and get rid of him, help them set up a government, rebuild most of their utilities, rebuild their schools, attempt to train their people to take care of themselves, and we are INVADERS?
I think the Democrats have come up with a way to end the war, stop financial aid to the military and they can be killed and not be able to vote against them when they return.

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Francois Bechard, Paris, France — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:45 GMT

Saddam killed 300! W caused the death of 300,000. How can we dare compare..

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Sam, Ft Lauderdale, Florida — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:57:34 GMT

This is in regards to the early comments from Mike and Terry. Did you think who first initiated this war? Many of those innocents have nothing to do with it. They did not want to be in this situation. We have started it, got our selves in a world of hurt due to our ignorant leaders who do not care about anybody but themselves to get richer. So to say they have to stop killing each other is even more ignorant. We have created this sectarian ideology. I spoke to Iraqis people pre-war and they stated that they have never distinguished between each other and that includes Christians and Muslims.
So enough blaming others for our own mistakes. We are killing people there and killing our own soldier. Why Do you think Bush father never made a mistake of entering Iraq because he seen the chaos that it could cause. He had more common sense.
Now ask your self, would you like to live under a dictator or so called fake democracy ran by bloodthirsty and money hungry rulers (our rulers)?

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Douglas Granville, Chicago, IL — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:00:39 GMT

Here in America we go to work, pay our mortgages/rent, and go about our lives not really concerning ourselves with who our neighbors pray to, and very few of us could begin to imagine killing them over it. The culture in the Middle East is very different than what we can understand. It is also, unfortunately, dangerous to them and the rest of the world. The western, democratic, way of life is, arguably, more civilized and constructive, but the changes in social structure neccessary to bring Iraq and other countries around to it, are extensive.

Most of the violence in Iraq is, and has been, Iraqi on Iraqi.

The US cannot let our citizens and borders be threatened.

There is no easy answer here, and neccessity may not allow for the most popular one.

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Matt, Island of Guam — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:01:21 GMT

Our war will never end. Physically and emotionally. Young and old generations are hurting on all countries. A question of "when will it end, how will it end, or who is going to end it?", still prompts on our thoughts everyday. Lets just pray for peace and understanding.

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Karen R. Owens, Downingtown, PA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:05:53 GMT

Google "iraq hospitals" to learn about the current state of medical care there. One interesting article describes the help being provided by USAID. It is in our best interest to do all we can to help innocent victims. They are the future leaders of Iraq.

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J-D, Texas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:06:30 GMT

It is their fault they have been killing each other by the millions since the dawn of civilization. Read history, these people like to slaughter each other. I have been there, I have seen the carnage firsthand. They do not want to stop killing each other. The US presence has nothing to do with starting or ever stopping the violence. It is a shame that the powers that be don't want to listen to the ones with the most information - the sergeants and lieutenants leading the Soldiers through the streets.

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Chuck — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:19:17 GMT

Some things to think about: Iraq's religious fighting started with "Who takes over after Mohammed is gone?" So, the fighting started soon after the religion was started. Who can stop that but them.
Also, although we havent seen WMDs, they definitely could have been moved in the months that Saddam wouldnt let anyone in to look.
Saddam was killing the other version of his own religion and others. If we hadnt done anything, then those criticizing the war would be criticizing what we didnt do...damned if you do and damned if you dont.

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Albert, Houston Tx. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:43:11 GMT

Charles Bryant; George Bush knew that Sadam had WMD's because he reads history; We sold Iraq the WMD's when they were fighting Iran in the 70's. When Sadam started useing them on the Kurds We were embarased enough to ask the U.N. for sanctions; the came Desert Storm..

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Bridgett — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:54:00 GMT

I wonder about the day when the last troops will withdraw from Iraq. Will it be like the last day our soldiers were in Viet Nam? So many innocent people wanted to get out of that country but couldn't and their country was left in chaos. Wonder if Iraq withdrawl of soldiers will be a repeat of Viet Nam withdrawl.

Francois, Saddam killing only 300!!....that is most incorrect; he killed thousands upon thousands of his own countrymen. He was tried and punished for his atrocities.

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Lorri Miguel, Orick California — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:57:47 GMT

Please people listen and understand. My son was just deployed for his second tour of duty in Iraq on 7/7/07. I am grieving deeply from fear of what may happen to him. Our presence in Iraq as a military force is truly a mute point. The Shiites, the Sunnis, and the Kurds are all fighting for their own territories and political beliefs. It would be as if the Republicans, the Democrats, and the Independents just opened fire on each other here in the US. Insurgents? They are not the Al-Queida. They are militia from another territory of Iraq. Do you have any idea how many Iraqi people have been killed? Our news media sanitizes it in a way that you are not appalled by the truth so the White House can still fund the war contracts handed out to Bush and Cheneys relatives and business partners. Open your eyes and ears!

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Lorri Miguel, Orick California — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:04:41 GMT

Ron Nowell, you are the America that is ignorant to the facts and are still trying to defend your position regardless. You are the America that has put my army son in mortal danger. You are the America he has to defend regardless of how stupid you are. You are the America he is defending so you can spout ignorant rhetoric. You are so polarized by being a Republican that you cannot tolerate the Democrats. And yet you support a president who is supposed to be spreading "Democracy". What say you?

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Red Wash, D.C. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:11:17 GMT

These are the same Iraqi who gleefully robbed, murdered and raped the Kuwaiti people. Dont lay it off on Sadam either. He made them go but you can't make a soldier do the things they did to girls, little boys and women. No matter your opinion on whether we should have gone in now, the Iraqis choose to kill each other now and will use outside groups such as Iran to help.

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Gray, NY, NY — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:12:20 GMT

Francois Bechard, Paris, France states that Saddam killed 300-possibly 300 on any given day. Most international estimates put the death toll from the Iran-Iraq War at 1.2 to 1.5 mil. Not to mention the Kurds that were killed/gased through the 1980s and early 1990s.
For those unfamiliar with the French Connection--let us then move this dicussion to France and the technology and assistance they provided to Iraq (and more recently Iran and Pakistan) to build dual use nuclear power plants. I mean, COME ON…how stupid is that decision. In the Iraqi case, the materials test reactor (MTR) was a French design of a type called Osiris (named after the Egyptian god of the dead—how apropos). The French named the reactor Osiraq, from "Osiris" + "Iraq" (French Osirak), and the Iraqis named it Tammuz 1, for the Babylonian month in which the Ba'ath Party took control of the Iraqi government in 1968. In addition to the reactor, construction, and technical assistance, the French sold around 28 lb (12.5 kg) of 93% highly enriched uranium fuel (HEU).
Additionally, Franco obstruction and meddling over the past 30-years (since pulling out of the military structure of NATO) out of some desperate attempt for a modern Franco Hegemony, not for a peaceful purpose, but for its own sake (to FEEL important in the world) not understanding that the world had passed by France after Dien Bien Phu. The French have done nothing of good consequence in the world for 60-years, and want to criticize the US…I bet Francois would have been happier growing up under German occupation, No?

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Lee, Texas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:15:41 GMT

When one sees a headline "Bush: ‘Military people’ will decide troop levels. President refuses to succumb to call for pullout from politicians, citizens," it's no wonder there are so many innocents dying. The military did not elect this man, the citizens did! People have killed one another since the dawn of time. But W's stubborness results in more every day.

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hippyhater,h-town,Pa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:19:48 GMT

how many years have these people been killing eachother over something they can not even see

and the usa is blamed for the hole damm thing

oh i forgot the usa is how old

grow up you hippy bastards not everything is so pretty when your on acid

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Ken Bundick, Oshkosh, WI — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:21:21 GMT

As always I feel deep sorrow for all those who have lost their life and their families.

This is a very difficult war and not one that should be judged on body counts.

I remember Vietnam and how the government always gave us body counts. Now those opposed to this war give us body counts to justify their side as the government did back then.

Yes we went in without a plan for after we deposed Suddam. Well we can pull them all out now, watch a civil war go on for another 10-15 years and take the blame for all of that too.

The root cause of failure for all of this and the terrorism we face in the future is Religon.

Religon has killed more people over the last 5000 years than all the Presidents, Dictators and their henchmen combined.

Did you ever think about the fact according to the bible is that the Muslim religon and Jewish religon were born of the same father Abraham!! Son and daughter, father and mother killing each other with roots to the same father.

It is time maybe to be an Atheist!!!!!

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Kash, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:23:06 GMT

The war of Iraq and all the casualties that followed is the result of only one man's arrogance(Pres. Filthy Bush) and his killing instinct against another arrogant and selfish man (Saddam). However, this is very unfortunate that we American have killed more people in the world and more bruttaly than any other nation on the face of earth. In terms of foreign policy, ours is actually inspired by one and only - Hitler - in a broader sense. America trully sucks when it comes to its foreign policy.

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A Leader........................ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:40:29 GMT

Extremists, Radical Islamics, war everywhere what gives. Islam is a religion of peace. But can we stop the violence over ther ein Iraq. I was there...It was stated on a military vessel that "the war is over" Wow 4 years later and 4,000 more Sodliers dead. one died in my arms in Iraq I might add. Time waits for no man so we will be there and we will continue to occupy and do what we can until we are Told to come home.

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H2o NiCe, Fort Collins, Colorado — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:42:42 GMT

They have been doing this for many years, and will be doing so for years to come. It has been happening throughout history. The peoples history there is full of killing and no matter what the conditions are or have been they still do it.

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The Elite.............Washington State — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:42:49 GMT

We deploy, we do our job, and inshallah(in God's will) we come back home!!!!!!

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jim mckee — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:45:22 GMT

this what the body count look like VIETNAM BUT THEY WERE AMERICAN ,wake up america you don;t want this war here just remember 911 we too soon FORGET .THINK ABOUT JUST YOUR BLOCK BLOWN UP.It much BETTER their than HERE rual america!!!!!!!!!!!

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J. Blackhurst, Winter Haven, Fl — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:48:13 GMT

"Saddam killed 300! W caused the death of 300,000. How can we dare compare." You are a moron Sir. Why would anyone care what a Frenchman thinks anyway, I do not know. Want to buy a good French Military weapon, never fired and only dropped once, "We surrender, now someone come save us so we can be rude to you". Sadam killed Hundreds of thousands you idiot. He ordered the extermination of WHOLE VILLAGES where have you been for the last 30 years.

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Mark, Boston, MA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:51:57 GMT

I don't like George Bush. In fact, I think he's the worst President ever and a threat to everything American. But I would never ask a foreign power to invade and occupy my country in order to "liberate" us. Neither did the Iraqis. We are the invaders. We are the occupiers. We were not invited. We destabilized the whole region for the sake of spreading our influence in an oil-rich country. Not for weapons of mass destruction. Not for spreading democracy. My countrymen, wake up, and stop listening to the lies of the White House!
We once had a civil war, remember? The war in Iraq is now a civil war. This is not unique to the Middle East, as some here have erroneously asserted. But let us not forget, this war was preventable. As John Adams once said, "Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war".

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Wesley, Greensboro, NC — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:52:19 GMT

America didnt invade anything. We went over there to help them get their country together. Which was a terrible idea. Were too busy worrying about other countries. Thats the problem with America. We try to help everyone else, but dont pay attention to ourselves. We shouldve just came in, killed Saddam, and left. We do NOT need to be in this war. All we need to do is protect ourselves.

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Al S. Phoenix,Az. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:02:04 GMT

Americans should be as ashamed of what we're doing in Irag as Germans were after W.W.II. Both nations were lied to by their leaders enough times ,most of the people started to believe it. Note our joke of a President's bunker mentality,ruling by Executive decree and ignoreing the rule of Law and the will of the people.

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joe,balto.,MD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:04:04 GMT

every reason bush gave for invading iraq turned out to be a lie!!!bush was warned before he invaded that this violence would happen,but he invaded anyway.the iraqi people are truly the innocent victims along with the soldiers and their families.what has bush and his supporters sacrificed besides other peoples lives.BUSH and CHANEY were to busy to fight when it was their turn,cowards,then becomes president and can not wait to send others to die.BUSH is worst than SADDAM!!!!america gave saddam the weapons to kill the kurds,the U.S. hands are not clean in this matter.

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Jim Bartee, New Zealand — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:10:53 GMT

U.S. "strategy" in staying the course in Iraq is this simple: "Whippings will continue until morale improves." Don't be fooled into thinking this is anything more than a way for the military to test its advanced weaponry and sick agenda of world domination (gluttonous budget without any restriction) for its own purposes. Bush's cronies are a bunch of bullies and the military should have apologized and gone home after the fictitious WMD and fear mongering "mushroom cloud" claims were proven to be lies. When the reason for invading was found to be false, so was any justification for being an occupying army. Peace will never be found as long as the invaders are manipulating this puppet government. Go home!

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LMD Atlanta Ga — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:18:31 GMT

This is bad, but why isn't the thousands that Sadam killed and burie in mass graves been a center of attention instead of this emotional propaganda?

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Pat S Spokane Wa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:19:19 GMT

Wow read all of the previous bloggs and it's amazing how few have a clue those people who are killing our soldier's have no value for life they would rather shoot you than try and work out a deal life is cheap there. as for the ones who want to bring our troops home now, have you talked to or asked what our troopes want? they want to finish the job, so there brother's do not die in vein. and for all of yoy who believe what is in the news and papers. they are run from the left and you can't believe half of what they say. research and read other sources of the 18 or so counties (so to speak) that are in Irag the violence is in 3 to 4 not the entire country. there are alot of very good thing happening over there. and people mite try to help rather than sitting on there a$$ playing on there computers in there safe little homes in the great U.S.A. ps every one of those tropps over there are voluteers they new up front what they were singing up for, I took that oath too. god bless

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John NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:21:03 GMT

The Media always finds the troops that do not want to be in Iraq and puts them on prime time. Most of our troops know when they sign the dotted line to go to the military there might be a war. Since Most Americans know that our guys and gals will gladly put thier life on the line for America(freedom) I guess this story is about trying to make us feel sorry about the whole thing in a different point of view. I will not forget watching these Iraq people dancing in the street on cnn while we were being killed from a hotel room I was stranded in. I feel no pitty for any Iraq people. They hate Me, My wife, My kids, My mom, My Dad and they hate You.

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Jeff P. Hollywood, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:23:36 GMT

Let's see..according to Francois Bechard of Paris, Saddam killed ONLY 300? Would that be in his ENTIRE 20 year rule?---and we ( I'm guessing he means the USA ) supposedly caused the death of 300,000.
Never mind there have been MANY Mass Graves found throughout Iraq after Saddam's Fall, Never mind Sunnis/Shites are bombing each other daily if not hourly.

These are the type of people that seem to constantly get the cameras and attention from the Media stating mis-leading if not out right lies ( NOT letting Facts get in the way ) WITHOUT being questioned as to where they get their numbers/info.

In short, ALWAYS consider the source, whatever the source ( in Francois's case...if there is one )?

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John Kay — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:30:18 GMT

The world moves on while we spin our wheels in Iraq. How big is Bush's coalition of nations now? 3 or 4 countries ?? We had many friends world wide after 9/11 but after the Iraq blunder and the stupidity of the American voters to put King George back in power we are now an island.

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Mark London England — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:32:29 GMT

What you are all forgetting is America interference goes back along way before this war, guess who was funding Saddam against Iran during the Iraq vs Iran war in the 80,s yes it was the good old USA these things will always come up and bite you, your poor American soldiers are also getting killed by weapons that were supplied by the US because it was more scared of Iran that Iraq, and Saddam thought he could get away with murder because you were allies at one point.

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Q Ardel, Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:32:48 GMT

I am a former Marine (served a Middle Eastern Tour), and a stout student on Ancient History focusing on the Roman Empire. The reason I became a Marine was to become a warrior like my predecessors before me. I am bothered to my core that this country is looking more and more like the fall of the Roman Empire. We have just as much political differences, power struggles, and a weakened military due to being spread to thin. All factors is what brout Rome down, and we need to stop becomming divided as a country with this Iraq war. Unfortunately there is not a situtation like this in history to fall back on to learn how to get outselves out, rather we are making history in the decisions we make that will shape the future of the world. Does being in Iraq stink? Yes. Is there another way? Unfortunately, no. The world was placed in a situtation where non action would be worse that the action being currently carried out. The most modern example is the precurssor to WW2. Hitler was not checked, and the world waited. I understand Iraq is different from Hitler, but not in the fanitical idealism that the Iraq's display. The sad fact is if we leave and the terrorists stay, the middle east will be more unstable than it has been for a thousand years, and they will have a base of operations to carry out attacks against the world. We must prevail because the history of the world is in the balance. Out leaders need to unite to fight evil, instead of poilitcal power struggles and personal carreer, and financial interests. The death tolls that will come from defeat could be the human race, so these innoncent civilians are collotaral damage that are dying daily. So we must win to honor there lives, and for out own survival.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Jaisen, Fairfield, Connecticut — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:32:49 GMT

This mess is so much bigger and more disturbing than our inept president, with his arrogance and deception... Clearly it will take much more time and money than we as a (go it alone nation) can afford... There were and are greater imminent threats to the world balance, whether it be nuclear arms or crimes against humanity.... Why are we not down chinas throats? They have one of the largest nuclear stock piles on the planet. And a laundry list of human rights violations. Both by the way were interchanging justifications for going to Iraq.. (The reason?) Because america the beautiful and brave has a back door relationship with them. We borrow unbelievable sums of money from them as well as good old cheap products at your local wal- mart.. Cheap products sold by employees's here in the u.s. with no health care and assembled for cents on the dollar in sweat shops in china by women and children... Go figure, no wonder it's a bargain... Not to mention sending most of our manufacturing jobs over seas.. They have us by the balls... What about north korea? They seem to be making head lines every other week testing their nuclear missiles.. Short and long range, some they say can strike California.. And again like china a laundry list of human rights offenses... Reason? No oil... That and the powers that be pick rock fight's on a mass scale with nations they know or "think" from an arrogant point of view, can wipe the floor with... Prior to us "liberating them" Iraq was no heaven on earth... They had and have a history of violence.. Though we're not helping the situation.. If you watched the video feed above it stated in stark terms that 10 times as many are perishing from violent acts vs when saddam was in power... As for rebuilding their country?? We haven't, they have an average of 3-4 hours a day of electricity, clean drinking water and simple medicines are still not available... Were past the 4 yr mark into this... And you wonder why after blowing up there country and not delivering on our promises why they resent us... Much less support the troops with reliable intel or harbor no ill will... Saddam though truly evil provided a better daily life... Who are we to be the worlds police men? I mean don't we have enough problems on our own soil?????!!!!! The muslim world and culture is one that is so foreign to us, much less a pig headed president who can't seem to read a prepared speech without stumbling over the first sentence.... I agree with many of the opinions of those that have written in.. I do think there are radical mind sets in the middle east. But no different than western religious arrogance claiming to bring peace, democracy and justice to it's grateful subjects.. They have their own faith and way of life, perhaps reality t.v and humvees aren't there slice of life... We're there for the oil lets stop kidding ourselves already. And to have geopolitical control over the region... There is little political will to free ourselves of oil addiction, so they will take what they want and leave the crumbs behind. Stirring up even more anti american sentiment... George W. is an oil man for christ sakes! Are you really serious?!!America is a hungry beast in need of oil and it's shameful to blame those that (DO) want peace in the region.. The voices of those that want to earn an honest living and raise their children are not being represented in these blogs, much less the media...

The war on terror is such an opened ended statement... Hitler and his quest for world dominance was a threat you could wrap your mind around.. The world rallied behind that cause and fought him back... True, Saddam was an evil man, a pawn at best to America.. His usefulness ran out, case closed.... I have two relatives in Iraq and believe you me my family worries for them every day...

My question is when will the american public wake up and stop caring about what paris hilton's next publicity stunt is going to be. And look at the mess we're in... How many back stories will we be fed for going there in the first place? Much less this illusion that there really is a plan... We fire more missiles, bullets and aggression, the extremist elements in iraq use it to there advantage... We don't exactly come off as none arrogant imperialist's who view our way of life as the only way that matters... It's a circular cycle of fight fire with fire that clearly isn't working!!!

Jihadist's, those "crazy towel heads" so many of you have focused on, are willing to die and are taught from birth that it's an honor to the family to kill themselves defending the muslim world... Long before the first american marine picks up his rifle to fire his first shot in 4 months of boot camp....

I'm not justifying this behavior in the extreme, what I will say is that we do not know or understand this enemy... America is an elephant attempting to fight off a swarm of hornets with it's trunk...

They are not all "crazed towel heads" as some of you have written in.. Just like the salt of the earth from the midwest here in America, some want peace.. By the way the salt of the earth are fighting this war not "W" or his daughters... If he's so convinced and dedicated to his cause he should send his daughters over there.. And for that matter any member of congress REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT...

WAKE UP!!!!!

1. 45 million in a nation of 300 million with zero health care... If you buy that number counting non legal residents (NUFF SAID)
2. Our jobs being sent off to the four corners of the earth..
3. "HURRICAN KATRINA" we are not prepared for disaster, nature or threats from abroad...
4. Education, enough said...
5. At best a dubious war with no end in sight, I don't think we should pull out tomorrow. What I do think we should be doing is working on a better way.. Is it to late? Who knows... Clearly we have lost nearly all our traditional allies. We're viewed as occupiers not liberators... And our troops are carrying the burden... Thers no need for the draft when you keep sending them back for theor third and fourth deployments without rest.. That and not honoring the date of discharge.... The only thing we see as an indicator of this war is the record high gas prices... That of course and my generation having to pay down the huge debt our under qualified, fluke president drove up!

These are the REALITIES of our lives!!! Not brangelina, paris hilton and pimp my ride.... Just to name a few, wake up people your losing your country...................

Iraq's Valley of Peace

bob barton — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:34:31 GMT

This is my first ever blog.... so please bare with me. I keep reading about the deaths and the wounded in Iraq and it saddens my heart. I've always kept current with world news... and it makes me wonder, "What are we doing there?" As bad as we thought Saddam was as a leader, look what they have now, total chaos. I keep trying to remember why we went to Iraq in the first place... let's see.. at first it was because Saddam was in on the 9/11 attacks... then they were the WMD's .... then it was because of the way he ran HIS country. We may not agree with having a dictator, but who are we to say how another country should be run? A select few politcians in DC made the decision to invade and "save them. I never remember hearing about all of the chaos that is there now, before Saddam was taken from power. We as Americans are loosing more and more of our rights and freedoms each and every day. Let's get out of Iraq and let's join together and fix the USA.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Q Ardel — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:37:14 GMT

I am a former Marine (served a Middle Eastern Tour), and a stout student on Ancient History focusing on the Roman Empire. The reason I became a Marine was to become a warrior like my predecessors before me. I am bothered to my core that this country is looking more and more like the fall of the Roman Empire. We have just as much political differences, power struggles, and a weakened military due to being spread too thin. All factors are what brought Rome down, and we need to stop becoming divided as a country with this Iraq war. Unfortunately there is not a situation like this in history to fall back on to learn how to get ourselves out, rather we are making history in the decisions we make that will shape the future of the world. Does being in Iraq stink? Yes. Is there another way? Unfortunately, no. The world was placed in a situation where non action would be worse that the action being currently carried out. The most modern example is the precursor to WW2. Hitler was not checked, and the world waited. I understand Iraq is different from Hitler, but not in the fanatical idealism that the Iraq's display. The sad fact is if we leave and the terrorists stay, the Middle East will be more unstable than it has been for a thousand years, and they will have a base of operations to carry out attacks against the world. We must prevail because the history of the world is in the balance. Out leaders need to unite to fight evil, instead of political power struggles and personal career, and financial interests. The death tolls that will come from defeat could be the human race, so these innocent civilians are collateral damage that is dying daily. So we must win to honor their lives, and for our own survival. (I just sent this, but did not spell check it. This version is spell checked. Thank you.)

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Walter E. Wallis, Palo Alto, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:38:39 GMT

Anyone so stupid as to fail to realize that, if it was all about oil, Bush could have had exclusive access to Saddam's oil just by agreeing not to object to Saddam's rule, shuldn't be let out without a keeper.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

J. Blackhurst, Winter Haven, Fl — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:40:15 GMT

How about this comment? If a Frenchman voiced his opinion in the Forest would it make anyone care? He says Sadam only killed 300 and we killed 300,000. Where has he been for the last 30 or so years when Sadam ordered the War on Iran and Kuwait and on his own people I believe that they are called the Kurds, anyone heard of them. I do not believe that anyone could get an exact total of all the People that Sadam Husein and his family had MURDERED but you can bet it is WAY more than 300,000. One thing is certain it is that Sadam kept all of this sectarian nonsense in check, but at what cost? He had to use an Iron Hand to keep these people from killing each other in the name of religion and if we have any hope of stopping this Civil War we will have to support a leader that is just as ruthless and unflinching as he was. I don't think that we should have gone in there this time anyway, we were lied to and deceived and continue to be. I was in for the first Gulf War and if we had finished the job then(You know when we had the full support of the Muslim World) we would not have to put up with all this now. I Support our troops as I was one but, I don't support this WAR!!!!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Brian, Walnut Creek, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:49:14 GMT

The biggest problem here is that there still isn't an exit strategy. George Bush Sr. and his policymakers thought about taking Saddam down during the 1st Gulf War but decided against it and didn't invade Baghdad. They predicted way back then that a similar situation to what we are seeing now could erupt. But George W. Bush didn't seem to care, and he and Cheney and Rumsfeld went in to shoot first and ask questions and reward huge re-building contracts to Halliburton later. Nobody found any WMD's, no Nukes, no ties to Al Queda. They lied to us all and a lot of us bought it. And I'm sure that they are all profiting from this war somehow. Now we're stuck with a gigantic problem that we can't solve anytime soon nor likely will we.

Worst... episode... ever...

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Marty, Portland Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:54:15 GMT

This war is about Iran. Iran wants control of Iraq (and its oil fields). If that EVER happens, the whole world will feel the tyranny of a fanatical muslim regime forcing women to walk 10 paces behind a man (even her own husband) and forcing men to have more than one wife! (yes, one is enough).

If we leave Iraq as the lefty/communists in this country want, Iran will march in and take over in a day! Then they will roll over Saudi Arabia. Then you will be using tree sap to lubricate the wheels of your buggy as your horse pulls it down the street!

Yes Bush lied and misled. Bush is using a heavy hand. But we are stuck now. To stay is is quagmire, to leave is suicide. Hey, if the Kurds can live in peace and in a rather civilzed manner, why not the other groups? I say we arm the Kurds and give THEM the reins of government, set up a military base in Western Iraq, and wait for Iran....

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Anthony Wrifford, Columbia, SC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:59:00 GMT

It's their fault, J.D.? Perhaps. But I will assure you that every single state in America would experience a similar fate if the "rule of law" was to suddenly disappear. You see, the US is responsible. However hated by the current administration, Saddam provided order. We destroyed that and the old hatreds blew up in our faces, and theirs. This, to be sure, was not a mistake. The US planned and fully understood the ramifications of de-stabilizing the area.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

David Thompson , Idaho Springs ,CO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:07:11 GMT

I am not surprised to see the american people so nieve
about the the wars in Afganistan and Iraq. Its time for everyone to think outside the box ( TV ) and realize that yes, the war is about oil . But can you not see the 800 lb gorilla in the room . Anyone with an attention span longer than a 30 second sound bite
knows it has always been about IRAN . When a radical religious government publicly announces its desire to wipe whole civilizations off the face of the earth you have act . People, mommy can not make this go away. So between the antacid commercials and
the viagra commercials, maybe , hopefully, you all understand that if Iran gets its hands on the oil spicot, with thousands of willing terrorist martors and a nuclear weapon, we just might be wiped off the face of the earth . Sadly this will not get your attention until suicide bombers are a weekly occurance in this country and you see it on the nightly news. It can`t happen here right?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Chris, NorOnt, Canada — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:12:37 GMT

Wow, what to say to some of these comments! Paige (Denver,CO)"...the US did its job when they were asked..." WTF!! Who asked??? Ron (Whitehopuse,TX) "So we come in and get rid of him, help them set up a government, rebuild most of their utilities, rebuild their schools, attempt to train their people to take care of themselves, and we are INVADERS?" Yes, you are INVADERS! I see the GREAT job you did rebuilding. Now before anyone jumps on me for being from Canada, remember that when the Taliban in Afganistan supported terrorism, we went and are LEADING the mission there. When GW said there was WMD in Iraq and he needs to be removed(after the US put him in power)the Canadian people asked for the proof(no proof,no troops)Wake up, history will judge GW for finishing Daddy's little war!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Misty Jones Bremerton Wa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:12:44 GMT

Does anyone not notice the word US spells us meaning you and me how come you or I are not doing something directly to change what is going on in Iraq? Everyone is blaming everyone else but themselves. George Bush is our leader ignorant yes definitely but WE chose him (well those of us that cared enough to vote although I didn't vote for him, but majority rules right?)so how come we heap all the blame on him. We are a democratic nation and you and I could change things in the way this nation runs if we stood up individually and let our voices be heard. I was already serving in the military defending MY country when 9/11 happened where were you? sleeping watching tv? I voted in the elections because I cared about who was going to lead my country (my life)Did you sit idly by? If anything is going to get resolved in this world everyone needs to pay attention to what is going on and act not let everyone else do the work. Have some human compassion and help our neighbors out.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Mark Mandell, Sherman Oaks, Ca. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:25:09 GMT

What's going on now is truly an illustration of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes' comment about the "war of all against all." And his solution was the election of an "absolute sovereign" whose sole function would be the survival of anyone against the onslaught of another even at the cost of freedom.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

bob, key west — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:28:03 GMT

america beware! don't fall for the sad images of the mess over there and say we should take in thousands of 'those poor people'. you will be simply importing the sunni/shiite nonsense mess into america! the carnage is americas' fault, but keep it over there. tito kept the lid on yugoslavia with an iron fist, saddam kept the lid on iraq with an iron fist. now you see what happens when you kick open a hornets nest!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Nancy ockletree- Long Beach, Ca. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:37:33 GMT

Dear Francois: Part of what you think is true.I am NOT a bush supporter- or a supporter of our troups(male, and female, with children at home, often) staying in Iraq, and God forbid, going into Iran. We should have ended it when Saddam was brought down, and no Wmd's could be found. we are interfering in a country's civil war, and we should get out of there- as long as we stay, they can blame us, and attack our soldiers. What I do disagree with you is the fact that Saddam killen only 300. Apparently you have forgotten, or did not know about the entire Kurdish villagers, killed by some kind of poisonous gas. Women and children, included. Thanks for listening. Nan

Iraq's Valley of Peace

H. Clark — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:45:16 GMT

Have you people by any chance forgotten Sept. 11 th. I beleive there was three thousand people murdered by the Islamists. We will stop them there or here, If they come here I hope that it is the Kennedy', Kerry's
Biden's etc. that they target. instead of innocent U.S. citzens.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

ron cooper — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:47:42 GMT

Does anyone still remember Vietnam? I do. I was there and it really sucked and it F----d up the life of everybody it touched. Is Iraq another Vietnam? No. It's worse. This is a tar baby we are not going to be able to let go of anytime soon. This is going to get worse, a lot worse.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Nichole, Tempe AZ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:50:05 GMT

Funny how people say that there has been strife between the people there forever considering there was total peace unitl the UK carved up the borders in order to cause problems among the different people in the region (wonder why Kurds are divided into so many countries???) and the US supported the killling that Saddam commited with weapons, money and intelligence.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Lauriel Lynar, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:50:53 GMT

Wow, JD, so because they've been at war for centuries, it gives us the right to destroy their homeland, infrastructure, roads, bridges, hospitals, educational institutions, for what we said was "freedom?" If it was about freedom, why are we waiting for them to sign the oil agreements to give our corporations access to majority % of their oil? This is criminal, and the US presence has EVERYTHING to do with continuing violence. Before we invaded them, they had more educated women in positions as doctors, lawyers, etc. than we do. Why do we think we're so superior and they're inferior, that it's their fault we continue to be there? And what about the supposed reason for this war anyway? Wasn't it about finding Bin Ladin? Or have we so lost sight of our original reason, we need to debate why it's OK to continue destroying innocent people? IF some country came over here to the US and did to us what we're doing to Iraq, you can bet we'd be fighting just like they are.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Verna Clay — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:54:50 GMT

In the tune of God Bless America, I offer the following words of hope, faith, and love to all mankind and all who have been saddened by the loss of life of so many.

God bless the human race
Help us to see
We are sisters and brothers
We should live in a world filled with peace

Teach us kindness
And compassion
Understanding
One and all

God bless the human race
Bless one and all
God bless the human race
Bless one and all

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Ron Benedict, Independence, MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:55:01 GMT

As a veteran of a war I know first hand of its horror. War is hell! In six thousand years of recorded history humankind has been unable to find a satisfactory alternative, and that is the truth despite our knowledge of what causes war. The Iraqi people are a proud people, but I find them to be just like the South Vietnameese were: If they really wanted democracy they would have it. Our constant disunity in America does nothing to convince them democracy is worth it. God bless the Iraqi people, our troops and God bless America.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Edward G,Cerritos,CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:55:58 GMT

There are no simple answers to the Iraqi question. The war was unnecessary and we cannot leave now because there is no telling how far and wide throughout the already-troubled Middle East. Allowing fanatics free reign was not the answer either. The answer lies in diplomacy...period...and a LOT of it too.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Lauriel, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:58:04 GMT

OK, Ashley from Tuscon, I agree with you to a point, but go a step further and ask, "how is this different from George Bush wanting to control the world through globalization and corporate greed?

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DOUG LEMIEUX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:00:40 GMT

HOWN STUPID ARE YOU ALL. ANOTHER VIETNAM WITHOUT THE SHARED SUFFERING. OUR SO CALLED LEADERS CAUSED THIS DEBACLE, THROUGH LIES, TO A NAIIVE POPULACE. HISTORY SPEAKS AGAIN, JUST AS LYNDON JOHNSON LIED ABOUT THE GULF OF TONKIN. AMERICA HAS BEEN HAD ONCE AGAIN BY ANOTHER LIAR, BUT SINCE THE PEOPLE DO NOT READ, OR MORE PRECISELY READ HISTORY, AND LIVE IN A FANTASY WORLD, WE HAVE LET THE POLITICIANS USE OUR MILITARY FOR NATION BUILDING,FORCING THE REALISTIC, PROFESSIONAL MILITARY OFFICERS, WHO DISSAGREED WITH THIS ACTION TO RETIRE OR BE FORCED OUT. READ TONY ZINNI'S BOOK, "BATTLEGROUND", AND ESPECIALLY THE LAST CHAPTERS AS TO THE MISUSE OF THE MILITARY MACHINE.

BY THE WAY I AM A 2 TOUR MARINE GRUNT VETERAN, WHO BELIEVED THE RHETORIC OF THAT GENERATION, AND LEARNED YEARS LATER WHAT A CROC IT WAS, JUST AS THESE GUYS AND GALS WILL LEARN HOW THEY WERE USED. THIS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE TRIED AT THE HAGUE, FOR WAR CRIMES.

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Tom, Florida — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:05:48 GMT

I agree with Down with Iraq. I'm sick and tired of these whiney people who b**ch and complain about this government, let alone this country. If you don't like it here, then leave. I've been in 5 wars since the early 70's and I'm feed up with these communistic views of " We don't belong there". Damn it people, Remember what was done to us during Pearl Harbor and also Korea. GI's were being killed for such reasons of having a tatoo on their chest and these were used to make lamp shades. So don't come b**ching to me about all of the killing over in Iraq. I've been there and have seen it and I say
"Payback is a Bitch" This also goes for all those towel heads living in this country, Homey don't play that. If you can't speak English, then get the f^^k out!!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Melissa, Tacoma Washington — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:06:25 GMT

I am saddened by all of the lives lost in this war, and for those left behind to deal with the aftermath. Yes, it is all horrible, and yes we need to bring our troops home.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Michelle Githens-Baugh, Centralia, IL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:09:18 GMT

This is to "Down With Iraq". I am a daughter who lost her father to the war in Vietnam. I can tell you that I have first hand knowledge of what it is like to lose a parent to war and I have seen sons and daughters in BOTH countries and how they have suffered because of the idiotic mistakes of their respective administrations. Just when I think I've heard everything, then I read your comments. When you think, as you put it, of "dropping the A bomb and getting rid of all of them", not to mention how they are all disgusting people and serve no use", are you referring to the children as well? When you spread this hatred, remember that there but for the grace of God go you. It is only by accident of birth that you aren't the citizen of Iraq and perhaps one of the innocents who you insist should be exterminated. I hope and pray that you aren't a father or mother, but if you are, ask yourself if your wishes would still be valid if someone were speaking about YOUR child as being useless and that they should be wiped off the face of the earth simply because of the country of their birth.

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Paul, Northfield, MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:15:36 GMT

I disagree with the claim that the only solution is that "they" (the Iraqis) just have to stop killing each other. It's not just an Iraqi issue. It's a human issue, and more specifically, certainly a US foreign policy issue of preemptive war with civilian casualties. When innocent people die, it's usually not about revenge, and usually not the fault of the dead. The death toll was pretty high from American bombings and actions before most of the sectarian violence began. We started the war on false claims of WMD's; we went in with an inadequate force because Rumsfeld wanted to conduct a PR campaign about how one could wage a war on a small budget, and this very PR campaign cost innocent civilian lives because the forces were not large enough to keep order. This didn't matter to the administration, as long as most of those dying were "those Iraqis," and as long as the US soldiers dying were not the sons of Republican politicians and war profiteers. And there is also some evidence (in the form of news stories) that covert British and American forces were discovered wearing Iraqi civilian garb, heavily armed, with bomb-making materials on their persons, and taken to police stations, only to be sprung free by coalition forces. One strategy of war is "divide an conquer," and it seems that one of the (failed) plans may have been to incite sectarian violence by bombing mosques and other incidents, as covert actions, so that the Iraqis might be too busy killing each other to give coalition forces as much trouble. But blaming the Iraqis for killing each other is like the ancient Romans blaming the people of Israel for having to destroy their temple in the decades immediately after Jesus. It's a nice trick with mirrors for washing one's hands of guilt, and it might give some temporary relief, but in the end, as Shakepeare showed, once your hands have blood on them (and in this case, a nation's hands), it's hard to get the spot out.

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S M South Dakota — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:22:30 GMT

My opinion is let the towel heads kill each other. The less of them...the better. We have enough taxi drivers. I think we drop one A-bomb and clear that hole of a country off the map! Make it one huge glass plate (From the heat of the A-Bomb!) They are ALL disgusting people and serve no purpose on this planet!
How Rude down with Iraq! They are not disgusting people! They are human Beings like the rest of us. You are one sick person and serve no purpose on this planet. The world would be better off without your kind!

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TONY DIMITROPOLIS PALMER MA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:23:20 GMT

remember 9-11 democrats and repulicans alike voted for us to go over there now they now its election time it's a different story clinton bomb them because of wmd he said they had what about kosno troops still there when george h did not go in to irag we where all mad at him where would france be and guam and the rest of euorpe be if we did not go in world war 2 most of you should watch red dawn if we dont win there thats how it is goneing to be here none of us want war especialy george w. it was put it his lap because of presidents before him and yes god will forgive him no one likes the 3,699 men women we have lost over the last four years but we did not like the 4000 we lost in one day here in our homeland stand up for your country and suport our servicemen and women GOD BLESS THE U.S.A

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Shelby, Oklahoma/Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:30:50 GMT

Wiether or not saddam placed a surrent threat or not do you truly believe he would be content to stay on his side of the world? I agree that he is like Hitler, take over his part of the world then move on to the rest. Charles from Olympia, why do you think we are imposing? Have you asked the people yourself or have you gotten that from the media. ALL media is biased so unless you see it first hand you never really know. Francois Bechard, where did you get your numbers. We didn't kill 300,000 people. That also includes the killings done by raticals and terrorists on their own people. Don't make it seem that it is the troops that did all that.

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D, Chicago IL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:36:37 GMT

Everyone appears to be citing the American invasion as the cause of the sectarian violence. Let's keep in mind this violence has existed for hundreds of years at varying levels of intensity. True, the invasion destabalized (for better or worse) the country and created conditions for this violence. Stop quoting the mottos of your political parties and research the history of the region.

Facts: Yes, the American invasion destabalized the region. No, the American invasion is not the cause or creator of 'sectarian violance,' a term meaning violence among a simialr group of different sects.

If Iraqis only had America to blame, they would only be attacking Americans. They are fighting amongst themselves, enemies to themselves, with the US caught in the middle.

The US might have opened a pandora's box in Iraq, but it's a box they did not create.

See Honza P's comments above, they are an informed argument.

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Tom W, Canton, MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:40:56 GMT

Paige in Denver, you cannot support the military and not the war. Remember we have been attacked 2 times and many more tried in recent years. Honza you see clearly. Charls, This this thing is for OUR DEFENSE, not oil, that is a side item. Even with the horriblee deaths today, Sadam's era had far more each month. These people are evil, that is EVIL got it, a world terror,and we must not fail, or we will perish.
Spain, France,and now England are all falling to their control slowly, but definitively. Their goal is to gain control through fear, and these countries are giving in. Our bickering in the US is fueling the Al-Qaeda attacks in holes we will pull out, give in and shame the US to the world as a people who do not keep a promise. Who would ever believe us again?

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TJ, Twin Cities, MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:54:42 GMT

To J-D in Texas. Read history. Iraq, like the former Yugoslavia, was created artificially at the end of WWI by the European powers. Britain invented Iraq out of three different groups of Arabs that were historically at odds with one another. Britain did this intentionally to keep the country called Iraq dependent on the British empire. Britain wanted the oil and the power of controlling Iraq and thereby much of the Middle East. The US walked into this war with the knowledge that a foreign invasion and take down of the dictator that held the country together would result in Civil War. We knew this yet we seem to have no plan, no concept of what "victory" would mean as we invaded and destroyed a foreign government. I agree that it is deeply sad that the powers that be aren't listening to the people who are in Iraq dealing with the realities there. I want us out.

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Tom W, Canton, MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:54:50 GMT

Way to go Asley in Tuscon. Francois, you have your numbers way off. Dear Sam in Ft. Lauderdale, If we are so wrong, and Iraqi's are so right, why do you live under "bloodthirsty and money hungry rulers" here?
Thanks Douglas! And Karen O In PA well said.

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Maria, Akron, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:07:50 GMT

There is no doubt that ethnic cleansing in Iraq is stimulated by the Americans who constantly use one group against the other to further their objective of controlling the Iraq state. These are not irresponsible Iraqis who kill each other this is the occupying force that uses bribes, coerses, forms alliances and counter-alliaces to assure their way of accessing natural resources and having obedient puppets in power that causes this dramatic urge for revenge in Iraq!

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Bob Moore East Kingston, NH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:12:47 GMT

To Mike and terry:

When a country is destabilized (when it is invaded by an outside force), the result is lawlessness and a grab for power. The people living in Iraq didn't ask for the U.S. to invade their country. And when the country was destabilized by our forces moving in, then Iraqi groups vying for power (religious, sectarian, Al-Qaeda) saw the opportunity to assert their power in attempt to dominate. Any time, an outside force creates a vaccuum in a country, someone or some group is going to try to fill it - historicall this has been done by violence, intimidation, terrorist acts - this is nothing new - and could have been predicted long before the U.S. decided to move into this country. The violence will continue - the Iraqi people have either left their country due to the violence - or if they think they have half a shot at regaining some type of a foothold in the region they still consider their home - they will stay and fight - this is not going to change. Maybe, it's possilbe it will change if the U.S. decides to redeploy. But President Bush as far as I can tell has no intention of redeploying the troops. So, all I can say is - expect more of the same.

Bob

P.S. Thanks to the comments of Sam from Florida and Karen's concerns from Downingtown, PA

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D.Day / Key Largo / Fl — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:14:07 GMT

one of McCarthy's characters said, "all children know that play is more noble than work, and the bigger the wager the better the game so war becomes the ultimate game w/the ultimate wager; young men love it and old men love it in them"-maybe it's not so much a difference of culture or religion as it is a genetic tick that's a bit on the bloody side,, "wars and rumors of wars", until the grand finale. in stability courses they always stress the tipping point, "if you don't learn anything else please learn how to calculate that!"

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Petra — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:16:55 GMT

First i think that Bush should be impeached for masterminding and creating this war that was for no reason and with no purpose, well other than controlling a huge oil source. Thousands of Americans have lost their lives for nothing, absolutley nothing, and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's lost their lives as well wether on the hands of the invading troops or the radical muslim insurgents. I think that at least 90% of those Iraqis killed by terrorists didn't choose their tragic ending, rather it was imposed on them while shopping in the market, praying in a mosque, or having a hair cut at a barber shop.
It is true that Saddam was a bloody leader who imposed no threat on our country, but does that mean that the US has to act as a world police and try and liberate the oppressed people of the world? There are at least another 78 country with horrible regimes, how about go libertae all of them! We should get out of Iraq as soon as possible but before that Bushm Laura, and the twins should go fight on the war front to get a real taste of what war is really about.

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Scott, Concord, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:18:02 GMT

Saddam killed 300 my rearend, try 3 million, Francois. You are a typical frenchman, who despise the same americans who liberated your country twice in one century. For the rest of you complainers, wait till it, the war, gets over here then you will really have something to complain about. It is no coincedent that we havent had another 9-11. Our president has said one thing which is right on the money. "We can fight the terrorists over there or here, which do you prefer." We arent killing the majority of Iraqis, the insurgents are. We can pull out and sit on our hands like the last 6 yrs in the 90's, and watch everyone kill each other. Then you can bet your a-- they will hit us again. Then we will want to go kick some butt again and try to figure out which political party was responsible for the terrorist act. I could have save congress millions if they would have called me and asked who was responsible for 9-11. "The Terrorists" duh! Instead they spent a fortune trying to pin it on each other. When it comes down to it we are Americans, not Republicans or Democrats. Sorry but I am sick of the blame game.

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Debbie, Costa Mesa, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:22:40 GMT

We have invaded another country premptively, decided torture is ok, lied, and let our basic freedoms we so cherish and purport to want to spread evaporate, use fear for political puposes...this administration is killing everything we stand for. We amy not make it until Jan 09. This film should be shown everyday.

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DA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:23:05 GMT

If anyone thinks for a minute that the US is in Iraq for the oil, they are absolutely mistaken. The US is in Iraq in order to keep the Arab busy fighting yet another war. The only thing that is left is to destroy Iran with tactical Nuclear weapons, and create another failed state. With Iran and Iraq destroyed, there will not be a single Arab power left in the region that can pose a threat to Israel. The only thing that is left to find out in my opinion is how dangerous can Iran become if we decide to attack it.

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SPC.JoeMcGovern Baghdad Iraq — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:28:17 GMT

I wonder how many of you bloggers have first hand knowledge of the situation here.It is so easy for you all to express opinion.As for me my truck was blown up the other day by a large EFP.And several local young women leaving school were killed.This is a much more complicated situation than anyone realizes.It will take much more time and we who are here while we appreciate your want for us to come home,there is much to be done here.Please have patience.And J.D from Texas right on Brother!!

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Andreas C., Palm Harbor, Florida — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:32:08 GMT

the information that soldiers have has nothing to do with history recent and past.it maybe helpful in particular instances but we are in a place we still should not be, unless you believe we must be a world empire that rules and controls all events and people.
if its about oil (it is) then all the billions and maybe trilion $$$ spent we could have used to buy all the oil we need and develop other energy sources

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sandy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:35:29 GMT

Its sad to see ppl changing their stance now and then. yesterday it was we want war, today it is we r sad. ppl are looking for repentance.....happy warring..lol

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Chad Williams — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:41:19 GMT

The weren't killing each other by the millions in Iraq when Saddam "Worse than Hitler" was running things, keeping everything tied together and the trains running on time. Of course, since the Bushes didn't like him, and own the world, Saddam "had to go." Opportunists like Hillary Clinton didn't help matters. She voted for the war because she thought Bush would win it, and it would look good for her in 2008. The Valley of Peace is her legacy as well.

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Richard — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:44:48 GMT

Francois, Saddam only killed 300??? 300 what? You're obviously not talking about people. He killed thousands of his "Countrymen" between the Kurds, his rivals, people he "thought" were plotting aginst him, and the people he denied medical treatment while he made himself and his family richer. You French who still owe the U.S. $$$ from WWII and never even said thank you for the help should get off of your High Horses and HELP rather than constantly criticizing. If we just sat back as we did way back in the early 1900's over the past 40 years, the rest of you would be in a lot of trouble with all these Radical Muslims running around with all that $$$. We helped the Iraqi's and the world by ridding "us" of Saddam. Muslims have been fighting for hundreds of years and now we're to blame? We just got rid of a Monstrous Dictator and while trying to improve their conditions, we're being forced to fight. If they would quit fighting each other and US, we would be out of there and you whiney dogs would have something else to complainabout, like not getting the Olympics or something. I lost a Nephew over there the first part of May and he was PROUD of what he was doing...HELPING.

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Shawn, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:45:48 GMT

It is sad to see the many innocent living and dead victims in Iraq and around the world, such as Darfur. Peace sadly does not come free, nor does freedom. I wish it did, and if you know of a way to make it happen, please lead us. I do know that my family came to this country as refugee's that were starving to death Ireland in the early 1900's and I had relative's that either couldn't speak English yet or had a thick brogue when tehy went off to fight in WWI & WW2. A few did not return home, they died fighting for freedom. I would rather die fighting for my freedom or the right's of another person who cannot fight alone but wants that same freedom. That's why they want us there now. The mistakes of the past cannot be corrected, but deserting people in Iraq, or ignoring those being decimated in Darfur is going to make matter's much worse for those who remain if we turn our blind eye. Where is the humanity in this? All our soldier's that went there to help thus die in vain...let the Iraq's vote if they want us to stay or go, then our soldier's can leave knowing that they did all they could with the mission they have had the last several years. My family could have hated the America they moved too for sending the blighted South American potatoes to Ireland that caused the great famine? We could have hated America for being allies with Great Britain, while the UK did little to help Ireland as 50% of it's population starve or defect. Instead, my grandparents came to the US via Ellis Island by legal means, and took whatever work they could get, served proudly, and became proud Irish Americans. Nearly all of us are immigrants, or ancesters of immigrants. We should help those who sincerely want our help and will help themselves and be grateful to us for not giving up on them as they try to stand on their own feet. Our country faced a revolution, the war of 1812, and a Civil War to help us mature into a world force in less than our first 100 years. They have been under a dictatorship that goes back further than Saddam's reign. We should expect progress but they are not as advanced as us...as a democracy they are infants. If we leave them now before they are ready, and leave them with no viable support...things will get much worse and we are telling the world that Democracy failed, and Liberty will not follow.

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T. Morie — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:46:14 GMT

Their religion teaches Love and Peace. They do not follow their own teachings, like most "sunday christians" in the US. Therefore this will continue until God shows the world that they cannot rule themselves. Right now Satan rules, not just in Iraq, the whole world. It's a matter of sovreignty. When Jesus was on the earth Satan offered Jesus all the Kingdoms of the World for one act of worship, he was able to offer them because they are his. Jesus commanded to love our enemies, if everybody did this, there would be no War and or enemies. God will step in, and all the hate and evilness of this system will be gone.

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JEH, Baltimore, Maryland — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:46:54 GMT

As long as Iran is allowed to export its form of religion to the world, we will continue to have the problems in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. I was and will be one of the first to stand up and fight for a person’s right to worship as they please. I will also be first in line to punish when the person abuses his right by forcing his worship on others. There is no place in our world for forced conversions and it must stop. Iran should be put on alert. Stop or loose your country! We too can practice forced conversion. Democracy. (If the democrats in the US have the stomach to do what is required.)

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Mr. D — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:47:13 GMT

As one who just got back from Iraq, I sit in awe of the ignorance of the people who spit out their opinions of why we went in there, what's going on over there, how the Iraqis feel, what a savage our President is, etc... all because they read or saw someone else's opinion in the paper or on the T.V. Let me tell you this. The media does not report accurately. I don't know how many times I came back from a mission to turn on the T.V. and see how the media warped the true story. There were no WMDs? If there were or weren't, the public will never know, b/c then the insurgents would know about them and use them against our troops. Pull our troops out? The insurgents will only come to the United States to wage their Holy War. Here's an idea, go over there, form your own opinion, and stop regurgitating what you see and read.

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K.S usa Rocks! Fl — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:57:24 GMT

Francious better check your history I think Saddam killed way more than 300. Don't I remember hearing your country was trading with this guy even though the UN said not to? Am I happy with Bush Nope! If this were France we would have saved you from a ruthless dictator as well. oh wait we already did.

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Willie Nelson, Franklin, Tenn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:58:04 GMT

It would benefit us all to learn more about the Islam culture. We must look at what Islam is doing around the world paying close attention to trends. There are many antidotal stories that foreshadow what statistics prove all too late. Extremists will do all they can to snuff out the last flicker of democracy and slinking back into our cozy little dens will allow bullying to free range. Then you will know what the Native Americans felt when WE the invaders arrived. No high flying will escape the earth's gravity that will pull us all into the tides of change, a thing that can become very grave indeed.

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Big Al — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:59:36 GMT

We are wrong to try and bring democracy to the middle east because they don't want democracy. The average ME muslim wants to be told what to do from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed. They aren't smart enough to have a democracy. They need to have a dictator. Someone to tell them what to think and when to think it. Add "godwilling" after every 3 words and you are all set to govern these masses. Why should we ever care if they become a democracy? Just keep them from getting the "bomb" is all we need to do.

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Ghost of Saddam, Baghdad, Iraq — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:08:51 GMT

Saddam killed 300! W caused the death of 300,000. How can we dare compare..
Francois Bechard, Paris, France

Haha... this made me laugh. Saddam killed 300!! So that's what your French history books teach you. LOL.

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Gary K — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:10:20 GMT

Bush (our Fuhrer) has caused the deaths of 500,000+ Iraqis, not to mention over 3,500 US soldiers deaths, and 30,000 soliders who have been severally wounded (which you never hear anything about) by attacking a country which never attacked us, and which by his own admission "had nothing to do with 9/11." He has also bankrupted this country. We owe over 9 TRILLION dollars now. When he took office we had a surplus not a huge deficit. Our great grandchildren will be paying of the SOBs debts. The Chinese own us and if they wanted to could throw the US into the worst depression EVER.

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Rob----Damascus, Md — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:11:17 GMT

We are involved with an extended family that now
has shown the world how much disregard they have
for life.

My son has told me of the little things that our army
does daily to brighten the life of those he is trying
to protect. Once a gift or a sign of thoughtfulness
is offered, opponents use that as an excuse to attack
those they deem as siding with the Americans.

Solution---divide the nation of Irag into separate
countries---allowing each ethnic group to decide
where to live---not the thing we might want to hear.

Our involvement only hastened this violence--not the cause of it. Now it is a breeding ground for other
Islamic enemies to plant and seed further violence.

We need to confront the Islamic powers--Saudi Arabia,
Iran, to either stop their efforts to disrupt the
area, and the rest of the world, or other measures
will be taken

Just one man's opinion

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Taz, Surrey — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:11:47 GMT

It is trully shamefull that the US and its people do not recognize its own and for the name of the most powerful country they go and put there fingers into each and every pie. Then when bitten and faced with back lash and challenges try to cover up and run back in the hole and blame others. Do you know the most poorest street in the world? ... one behind the white House, the most indebted country in the world that does not even pay the UN fees ... you guessed it The USA with Veto power

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Emmy, Bellevue, NE — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:12:27 GMT

The truth is that we are there so Iran does not pull any crap. Yep...its about oil...its about getting rid of Saddam...its about getting our troops established in Iraq...its about getting their govt set up. Having my husband there has made me angry over this war. But, when we talk, he tells me of his admiration of these people and the trials they have endured. I think of my mothers side of her family that were killed in concentration camps in WWII...because people said it was Germany's problem, not theirs. I honestly don't believe a single politician that is running. How do we expect Iraq to set up a govt that is not corrupt, when all of our politician (Dem and Rep) lie and deceive us.
The Iraqi people need to start taking over their lives...mothers who have lost sons on police forces, fathers who have lost children to bombings...they need to take a stand and take over. All these people wanting to get out...look at our country...we are not in a civil war, but we hate one another. We tolerate one another face to face because of our laws, but think about what we say and do behind backs. Look at the children...we hate one another so much, we destroy each other by promoting unhealthy diets, immoral attitudes, and laziness. I have started to take a good look at my life, and since my husband has been gone, I have realized that I have many things to be grateful for, and many things I need to change. Oh my lord...I am sick of the left and right blowing their horns, each condeming the other...In the end, you have to leave your legacy. I choose to leave it with my children. I will raise them to work hard, think for themselves and be productive. I know that this is what any good person would want for their children, be them Iraqi or American. There is a family that cries for a lost loved one in Iraq everyday, just as we would cry over ours. I pray they stand up one day soon and put an end to this hate over there. And we should stand up for our country, by first starting with our families, or by being a good role model. If we stand together, and lead by example, others will follow.

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Jon A., Irvine, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:27:11 GMT

Dear fellow readers,

This war was commenced upon a single proposition: The Iraqis possessed weapons of mass destruction that were an imminent threat to the safety and sanctity of the United States government and its citizens.

Let's deconstruct that proposition.

Firstly, it turned out that there were no weapons of mass destruction.

Secondly, even were there weapons of mass destruction ("WMDs"), how could they ever have posed a threat to most powerful industrial military complex ever assembled (these imaginary weapons could not).

We discovered that there were no WMDs. Therefore our reason for war no longer existed.

At that point we should have withdrawn and made reparations to the Iraqi people and their government.

We unilaterally attacked a nation without reason (once we discovered no WMDs existed our "reason" was extinguished).

Let me say that again for dramatic effect. We attacked, murdered, and slaughtered innocent people and completely destroyed lives, cities, and a government without reason (no valid justification).

Am I on crazy-pills here? Why haven't we taken to the streets to protest? Why didn't Pres. Bush and the entire Congress just resign? Their mistakes have cost hundreds of thousands of innocent people their lives.

Retribution is coming. It may not be swift but it will be served upon us for the sins that we have committed against these people. We have given reason to our enemies to revile us even more than they do now.

Our actions have set in motion and given encouragement to an entire generation of enemies throughout the Middle East (Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, etc.). They have their rallying cry and their martyrs. The ghosts of Iraq will speak from beyond the grave and their suffering, torment and loss will be revisited upon the sons and daughters of the United States.

In other words, we have completely screwed ourselves and any hope for peace with these individuals is lost for at least one or two generations.

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Linda, Great Falls, MT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:27:40 GMT

Sectarian violence was going on for hundreds of years and we can't stop it overnight. The bloodshed can't be stopped unless the religious leaders and their followers agree to a truce, and cease killing each other.
If we leave Iraq right now, while their government is weak, violence and slaughter of thousands of innocent people will continue anyway. The surrounding countries will war with each other to sequester and conquer it. I don't think any country will win. Instead, there will probably be decades of war between all them just for an extra piece of land to rule. War is brutal.

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Brent — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:31:33 GMT

We were lied to, plain and simple. Now we are so deep in over our heads that we can't see the surface.

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Jeff, Pennsylvania — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:34:57 GMT

The problems in Iraq are the same ones that have been afflicting the world for hundreds of years. Did anyone stop us from murdering 15 million Native Americans when we settled this land? We killed more people than Adolph Hitler, but now we feel the need to interfere with the Iraquis? Let's open our eyes and realize that Bush is out to line his pockets. Get our honorable soldiers of of Iraq.

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james nonya, cincinnati, ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:35:25 GMT

HAHAHA there for oil?? if we were there for oil why am I paying 3.40 per gallon now??

Damn i wish we were there for oil.. gas might be 99 cents a gallon now..

EVEN if we were there for oil which we arent, remember 911, thats why we are there.. isnt that a good enough reason?? sit back and think about what would happen with no oil tomorrow... my guess is 90% of americans would die within a year, and that might be a low figure.

why is it in WW2 we could build the biggest building in the world, yet today, we cant even build ONE freakin refinery or power plant.. The usa has not built one non peaker power plant in 30 years... lets ship all the liberals to iraq and build the stuff we need here.

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David Miller — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:40:58 GMT

The killings between the Shia and the Sunni is based on the question, who was going to run the Islamic world after Mohammed died? Mohammed left no sons behind, and his son-in-law was murdered by the other faction, while he was in the mosque praying. Ever since then, killing the other guy is considered " O.K. at any time. That incident took place some 700 years ago, but to the Muslims it was yesterday! Where does the concept of forgiveness fit in? Our troops are trying to put out a house fire while the insane residents keep pouring gasoline on the fire! This problem is a no-win situation for the U.S.Time to get out! Let's face it!

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M. Smithe. Arlington, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:48:29 GMT

Iraqis were massacred by Saddam for decades and these random acts of terrorism taking place now don't compare.

The Iraqis DO want the soldiers there. My best friend is one of the soldiers training them. They tell him daily how glad they are that the US has not abandoned their cause.

I support them fully in their mission -- helping Iraq to become a nation with freedoms that they before now could only dream about.

Buying a car, girls going to school, better water, electical and health care systems. It was a dream before and only good where Saddam lived. My friend is on his third tour. He said they have grown leaps and bounds and it's so much better than the naysayers advertise would have us believe.

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Karren — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:51:22 GMT

"It is their fault they have been killing each other by the millions since the dawn of civilization," writes JD of TX. But you know, whatever has taken place before March 2003, was not placed on the shoulders of our country. What has taken place since is the fault of George Bush. I have more sympathy for those Iraqis than I have for our own soldiers, because they didn't ask to be invaded, to have their homes, families or babies destroyed. We were "told" that Saddam murdered thousands of his people, but we were also "told" that he had WMDs, which was a lie. One thing is for sure--he kept them under control; now, even the US can't do that. Bush opened a can of worms, Pandora's Box, for the whole world. Maybe God can forgive him, but if you think those young Iraqis will forgive the US, I'm very afraid you're wrong. I tremble to think what our children and grandchildren will suffer in the future because of what Georgie has done. Of course, our Congress has to accept blame for giving him a blank check.

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Dr.P.S.Mahadevan — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:57:39 GMT

One mistake is never corrected by another mistake-Fundamentalism is terrible- Innocents are killed-India has been reeling for several years -But an iraq is not the solution-Unless sane people realialize that killing someone does not send you to heavens, this barbaric attitude will not stop-We need an apostle of peace, a christ, a gandhi, a buddha or someone who can bring love to all-"Water falls from the heavens (It falls at different places)but still , all of it reaches the ocean one way or other.So also the prayers you offer will reach HIM, in which ever form or way , you worship" so says a simple sanskrit sloka..Let us all live peacefully, love thy neighbour, love all...don't kill

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Larry ,Flagstaff ,Arizona — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:06:57 GMT

This is the New Crusade .. This has been going on for centuries and will continue to go for centuries longer ,well after we come to our senses and move our troops out of harms way!! All in the name of two religious sects within one identified religion. We should of learned in the time of King Richard to keep out of their fight and mind our own buisness.

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M. Smithe, Arlington, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:09:14 GMT

BOY there are some real idiots posting on this thread.

One claims we have killed as many as Saddam, one says we are in it for the oil, another says Bush is getting rich off of the war. Good thing they aren't running our country. I can only hope they haven't spawned.

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Nafisa , Columbus OHIO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:14:19 GMT

This is one man's war and his greed for oil. The victims? ALL OF US....

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Rocko Santa Barbara, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:14:35 GMT

No wonder the French didn't want to get involved. Just put up your hands and surrender!

300? lol, do your home work clown. Saddam gassed a whole town and killed more than 300.

Do you home work putz.

"Saddam killed 300! W caused the death of 300,000. How can we dare compare..

Francois Bechard, Paris, France (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:55 PM)"

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Malcolm Jamal, Norman, Oklahoma — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:41:42 GMT

There would be no secertarian violence had the United States not entered Iraq. And the secertarian violence is not what is killing most people. Guess who is.

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B V PENFIELD,NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:44:13 GMT

Hello
The US govt could care less about protecting the Iraqi people or extending their freedom--read your history books. IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT MONEY AND CONTROL. How nice for us to believe we are there for such a noble reason! After WWII the Allies split these regions with our designated bounderies, without respect to the regions' natural tribal/ethnic boundries. Boo hoo now---no surprise about the mess in the Middle East. Let's stop the illusion that the US is so innocent.

Our govt, as well as Britian, has been taking over countries for centuries. I quess giving smallpox-infested blankets to the Native Americans , then forcing them into reservations is OK. I guess racism against Blacks is Ok. ANd it's OK to treat females as subordinates in the workplace, not to mention treating domestic violence as a misdemenor. FREEDOM? Who's? The people profitting at the expense of others? Such family values--in the name of all their Gods!!
WAKE UP WORLD--WE'RE ALL BEING USED TO DESTROY EACH OTHER FOR THEIR BENEFITS!

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JV, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:49:00 GMT

There's no way we can have our cake (a bunch of nice pro-American people in Iraq) and eat it to (provide medical care without imposing on their sense of security)...We destabilized this area when we removed Saddam Hussein, and now we're grasping at straws to try to stabilize it again so the oil will flow nice and freely. The other ironic thing is that W promotes corn ethanol which is arguably more expensive in very large ways (just look for all the products that have corn syrup in their ingredients). This is all a big payback to the financiers of the Bush presidency. Who cares if lives are lost as long as there's money to be made?

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E. T. Miami, Fl. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:49:23 GMT

I have to agree we have to out of this war because the U.S. public would not support the ruthless effort it would take to win. It is a war among religion factions who believe that killing each other is the answer to their prayers. I do not think the U.S. is at fault for the senseless violence in Iraq but rather it is a misguided muslin faction that want to take over the mideast. When thousands are slaughtered here in the U.S. then watch the tide turn and there will not be a muslin religion anywhere.

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Harry Kokolakis, Ontario — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:50:11 GMT

When we see a father or mother crying and cradling their dead child in their arms which was killed by violence do you really think they loved their child less than we love ours?

It's funny how it seems everyone thinks they are an expert in the Middle East. All my life I heard nothing of this sectarian violence suicide bombers and now I'm supposed to believe it's been around since the dawn of time? Where are we getting our information? The same people who got us in this mess?
How can anyone quote stats when the US government refuses to count all human deaths and is sanitizing how we see the war. I guess they learned from Vietnam.

If anyone thinks Bush is noble please itemize all the good and bad his administration has done. I think you'll get your answer. I don't think I can remember a president who has been more selfish than George Jr.

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Jean Wimbley — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:50:52 GMT

US use our Tax $$ to pay for Iraq health care,but NOT ours! What irony.Injured troops return home to Medical chaos. AS bad as Saddaam is depicted, he didn't NOt bomb Iraq. I will always believe this "war" was Pre-Planned prior to Election 2000, and explains desperation to overthrow our own government for "bloodless" theft of Gore's rightful Win. Corruption continues,Billions are "transferred from US Treasure to War Profiteers. And today, "we the people" are just as ignored now,as we were year 2000. Anyone who would trade our own constitution for Political/Monetary gain,doesn't give a hoot about Human Life! Those FOR this war--are no different than Hitler. Those poor people were AMBUSHED and are hostages to War Monger Invaders. Ironic how out Tax $$ can pay for Iraq Health care--as Americans suffer. Think HOW many Americans could be helped with that TWO Billion dollars per week for Iraq? To say nothing of War caused global warming.To the victor goes the spoils--Have you seen what GOD has allowed to be heaped upon OUR own soil lately?

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Rudy Cornejo, Fairfax, VA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:52:05 GMT

"There will be wars and rumors of wars." The Bible is right on schedule. God is not mocked. For what you sow is what you reap. There in NOTHING hid, that shall not be revealed in time for ALL to see. God always looks at the thoughts and intents of the heart. And shamefully, what WICKED hearts we have!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Dan, carpinteria, ca — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:54:04 GMT

I dont see how "who" is responsible matters right now - "Trouble in the Middle East" would have been the headline for practically since recorded time - we cant solve this, why are we throwing our men, women, & in some cases Children into this meat grinder that is the middle east? This isnt about democracy - if it was what about Rawanda? - Darfur? ... if we are here to stop them from fighting, where were we then? Im all for stopping mass murder - but actions speak for what your motivations are and we didnt act on other mass murders so why this one? Why throw our Men,Women,Children into Iraq? If its about terrorists why arent we in Saudi land? someone tell me why? I have yet to hear a good reason or a reason that fits with our actions over time when other "mass murders" were happening?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Deemic — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:59:47 GMT

Dear Honza,
Actually, we didn't invade Iraq on the pretense of saving the Iraqi civilians, we invaded because Sadam was a world threat with his biological and nuclear weapons.... oh wait, that's right, we never found any.... o.k. ummmm.... Yep, we invaded their country to free the Iraqi citizens from Sadam. Now he's dead and now that they're free we are there too.... ummmm.. ahhhhh... ummmmm... Why did we invade their country again??????? Can someone borrow me $3.25 so I can buy a gallon of gas? Please don't miscontrue my last statement as an implication that we're in Iraq for oil. Haliburton... I mean Cheney wouldn't dream of it.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

E.R.Garcia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:10:11 GMT

Ignorance is the name of the game here in America. Our public is too dumb to understand just what is really going on both here and abroad. Our govt. has been hijacked by a group of elitist Imperialist. They have raped the US treasury. They have invaded a sovereign country that HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE 9/11 attach on America. This action by the Bush crime family has caused the deaths of thousands and thousands of innocent people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries around the world. Our armed forces have been stressed and compromised by the lack of support that had been given to the brave men and women who’ve been tossed into this meat grinder situation. Thousands of honorable soldiers have been killed for this conflict. Hundreds of thousands of people have been maimed both mentally and physically FOR LIFE. Why? To free this country from Hussin? Look in the mirror and repeat this lie if it allows you to sleep at night. This is a smoke screen for the real issue. It’s for oil. Plain and simple. The bush-kabal is going after the oil of Iraq; for American and British oil companies to make a buck. Stop the denying the truth of this tragedy. Look at what is happening in this country and find the courage to face the demons we all share in having created: Ourselves! America was once a great country. During the past 10 years, the corporate greed in this country has accelerated and has pushed OUR OWN Democracy to the precept of destruction. Wake up and smell the truth. It’s the smell of greed, blood, and oil profits!. Why do you think so many people are now admitting the truth about this ill conceived plan? Impeachment is being reported by the corporate media. With luck, courage from true American leaders, and with the support of an educated public our very way of life may be salvageable.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

C-M, Montana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:14:57 GMT

Looking back--WW1; WW2; Korean; Vietnam, those were wars that millions were killed in. Desert Storm and the Iraq war now, put together wouldn't equal just one of the above mentioned wars. Now, everyone of those wars were fought on foriegn soil. That means that only soldiers from the US were lost. Not the wifes, children, grand parents, etc. IF those wars have been fought on our soil--just think of the loss of life! WE as a people are not equipped to handle a war on our soil mentally, emotionally or physically. We are not a war faring people. On the other hand, overseas, people have lived like that for thousands of years. Their whole thought process evolves around war and the dangers of the aftermath. We should be VERY VERY thankful that this war is not being FOUGHT on our soil. If it was, it would be like have 9-11 every week to deal with. We as a peaceful country are only trying to keep it away from our land. I know I am very grateful that my grandchildren do not have to fear going to bed, or shop, or eat, or go to school with the threat of a suicide bomber, a bomb, etc that would shatter their world and their innocence. It will end for the USA, but right now, those brave soldiers are defending your country so that you can be free to make choices that those over there cannot. My husband and brother in law fought in the Vietnam war and do you know what, when they came home, the very people that they protected spit on them when they came into the airport terminal. Where are those people any different than the ones we are fighting now? Animals were treated better than those Vietnam Vets every were, and they are still being ill treated in their own hospitals. Where were the flag waving individuals at when they came home. Even those that came home in a box, were not afforded a welcome home except by their families. How sad. I say, just be very grateful we are not fighting this war on our turf.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

mountainpal ,Clearlake , Ca. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:18:50 GMT

No one can know how they feel when death comes and blows them away and living is left with the fear and stench of death in the air . I could be talking about any war any where .We have horrid news every day and now more than ever war is the daily topic around the world. No of us will never learn how to have peace .God knows I wish we could and life would be so great .

Iraq's Valley of Peace

S D Los Angeles Ca — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:33:09 GMT

Often I look at my two children and I ask GOD for forgiveness, How could have I done that to them. You wonder what I am talking about, but for one minute take a breather and think to yourself, what will become of the generatiion that we are trying to nurture to become educated, good and God fearing future citizens, any where they turn- it is death that they see. Am I exagerationg, I hope so, look at a map where Iraq is located and see its' surrounding countries and see if there are no conflicts in any of them. Is it By Chance, Is it Politics, Is it greed, Is it Democracy, Is it imposed upon us/them by a group of people we call OUR LEADERS, if it is then would the time come for us to have the same thing happening here as they are experiencing there? DID the Iraqis one day thought or imagined that what is happening to them could have happened, but it did, here we are not prepared, thinking nor imagining any sort of thing. I equate our Leaders to the Leadres that are governing these countries and I see lots of similarities. We say let the Iraqis stop killing themseleves so we can help them. If we really were bent on helping them from the start we wouldnot have started what we will never finish.
God bless the childres.
S-D Los Angeles

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Upset with Ignorant Comments, Somewhere, Montana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:37:22 GMT

Iraq's population is about 27 million (roughly the equivalent of Texas and Colorado's combined populations). Can you imagine if China sent a bunch of forces to both of those states under the suspicion of WMDs? Sure, one could argue there was bloodshed in Iraq prior to, but I'm sure some of the Iraqis are doing just what any person would do if someone if invaded their turf --- protecting themselves and their families.

Now think, what would happen if the Chinese invaded Texas and Colorado and wanted their oil, but (in the process) completed destroyed the infrastructure.

I think it's illogical to say that just because we're "getting them over there" doesn't mean terrorism will stop in the United States. If a terrorist wants to do something, they will. Remember, it only took 20 hijackers to blow-up the Twin Towers.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Grandma Moses, Portland, Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:42:30 GMT

You all still don't get it, you men of Judas, have betrayed your God in you , religion is the destroyer, Yeshua said; I'am the Way the Truth and the Life, for anyone who opens the door to the Way...you continue as you always have to build institutions representing Judas... who represented the closed Door to the way, truth and life...Messiah wil NOT return to live in Peace with you until you recognize who you are in Yah... then the door will open..... then..(Today June 10, 2007...the Pope said; the Catholic Church is the only way > by way of the Pope to Salvation, all other religions do not have salvation) look it up... show me in the HOLY scripture in Aramaic where...the Pope is the only way to salvation...a church built on the rock...a rock dumdumer than a rock so sad indeed,many want to believe, Yeshua Loves you anyway..... RUN from his lies they will murder your children, Keep Peace in your Heart!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Billy G, Las Vegas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:45:10 GMT

Over the years I have stepped between two warring personalities. Sometimes they were about to go to "fist city" and sometimes they had already gone.

In a number of cases I grabbed them by the shirt in the upper area of the chest just below the throat and pushed them apart. In almost all cases either one of the opponents could have "used me to wipe up the floor" but they did not. You know why? It was not because I was big and strong and more powerful than them, because I wasn't. Actually, I was about 5 ft 8 inches tall and weighted only 165 lbs. That was about as average as one can be. They, on the other hand were 10, 15 oe 20 pounds heavier in some cases and a few inches taller or had more arm reach than I.

What really stopped the fighting was more mental than physical. You see, neither one of them wanted to fight. And they welcomed any intervention.

There is a reason why I mention this. You wondered what happens to all of the innocent people killed in the war in Iraq? What happens to the victims of the ruthless revenge killings and the cycle of death we’ve come to call "sectarian violence."

I just wonder where all the "Billy G's" went. You see, my name is Billy G and I stood up to stop fighting. Now, I just want to know where all the people went who are opposed to the fighting, and killing and murder and violence in Iraq. Don't they have any Billy G's there????

Iraq's Valley of Peace

idaho — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:48:30 GMT

Has anyone considered the notion that Sadam was a tyrant because he had to be one? It seems obvious now that only a heavy handed tyranical leader is the only thing that can keep these extremists in line. What would any leader do if a large number of idealists took up arms and threatened the nation? What happened to the people like David Koresh, Randy Weaver or others like them when their little groups got out of hand? That was the here in the USA.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

LiveRight — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:55:18 GMT

For the ones against war: why did you vote a warmonger into the office? the whole country has no other priorities except war since he is in office. He also lied too much and a fricking bully.

For the one support the war: fricking liar, I don't see you packing your bag and heading for Bagdad, if you said it is the right thing. It's OK for war as long as you are staying home saying it huh?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

The Invisible Truth Sayer — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:06:39 GMT

You are all blind and deaf. There is no real terrorists threat to America, and there never really was one coming directly out of the middle east. The government and the powers that be here in the USA have been playing with your minds for decades. Wake up people and do your research. The Internet is and has the key to free your mind. But be carefull, as you might not be able to handle the Truth.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Tabs,Dubai,UAE — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:12:44 GMT

True, its their fault that we have a country like the United States, who likes to take decisions on behalf of the world. True, its the Iraqis fault that GWB thinks he leads the world. True, its the Iraqi ppls fault that the U.S. president declares a war on their country based on false information. And u still blame Iraq for whats happening there. Bravo!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

John Clark, Paducah, Kentucky — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:19:57 GMT

JD, These people are not the only ones who have been butchering each other in the name of God. Read the Old Testament. Christians, Jews, and Romans have a well documented history of slaughter and wholesale murder, too. The insanity is widespread and has a long history.
As for Bush invading Iraq, it`s a shame when the most powerful country in the world is led by an idiot and believes the misinformation of war mongering advisors.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Ttt — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:20:19 GMT

Miss direction, Propaganda. Your asking the wrong questions, and will have a heart attack when you get real answers.
The fourth branch of the gov is the media. Dont forget that.
T.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

luis villanueva — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:37:18 GMT

I'ts not their fault we had a good strategy of taking out saddam but never had imagined the consequences after that. Yes it's culture clash right now but GWB and his croonies was the one to be blamed for everything because of lying to the people, wrong intel, wrong everything. We don't have to depend from foriegn oil, we have it here in our own soil. These thing is just politics and who is more powerful than the other. 100 days of democrats are over and we haven't seen any changes yet, alll words and no ACTIONS!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

D. K. West Hollywood, California — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:57:44 GMT

Honza P:

Who bombed and killed our citizens when Americans burned women they called witches? Who tortured American citizens when America repeatedly tested vile diseases on unsuspecting citizens many of whom died? Who bombs, tortures, steals, murders, rapes our innocent citizens because American routinely executes human beings daily, some of whom have been post mortumly been determined to be innocent? When America commits atrocities its ok, but if Iraq commits atrocities - lets go kill, innocent and all. Your argument must assume that because America is so perfect that we can kill and tortue anyone we choose.

Oh, you missed the point? Here the point, How dare this great country be hijacked by the Bush Regime to engage the Republican past-time of killing innocent people. Why is it that Republican always look for the next war? It always has to be about killing - Killing - killing. It doesn't matter whether its our citizens or other people, the only thing that really matters is that good old fashion killing take place, somewhere, anywhere. The more the merrier. Texas was a real leader in killing - want to report to us the percentage of people killed by Texas in Texas? Oh the great Texas luckily it also gave us Enron, etc. You are so great.

Remember those frugal Republicans that cannot stand those god forsaken Democrats who always want to spend your hard earned tax money on after school programs, They are now spending 12 Billion Dollars per month on this farce they call a war. Remember war used to be when a country actually attacked us and Congress declared war - neither of those things happened, but you forgot that.

What arrogance gives you the right to think that America had the right to change anyone's way of life, whether you agree with it or not. I still can't get over the fact that we - Americans - burned witches at the stake not too long ago, but think we should tell everyone else in the world how to live. So you don't like the way they lived over there ... it was none of your business. The fact that you wanted your tax dollars to be used to kill people in Iraq is the exact reason there will always be generations of hatred against Americans.

Oh, and on your next post, why don't you put down what percentages of Americans live on the streets homeless? Why don't you put down the percentage of people that are wrongfully incarcerated in this great county, let alone executed? Why don't you mention all the bad things we tollerate in this country because we have been led to believe we don't have the money to correct the problems, BUT WE HAVE 12 BILLION PER MONTH TO PLAY KILLING IN IRAQ, NOT HELPING SOLVE OUR REAL PROBLEMS!

And as to your assertion of moral superiority ... your assertion is miraculous ... because you believe that Iraq was in shambles, we have an absolute right to kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people, you hippocrit. Here's one for you, why don't you put one tiny bit of energy that you expend in opposing abortion, because its killing an innocent human being, into figuring out how to save a few of those innocent human beings that never asked you to kill them over in Iraq. Thought so - you can only vote to kill, not to save lives once you cast that Republican vote.

Your personal attitude is the reason the world hates us. Thanks for perpetuating it.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kemihi, Athens, Alabama — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:15:56 GMT

Yes, Muslims are killing Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere, and have been doing so for centuries. They have no monopoly on intolerance, though. Catholics and Protestants kill one another in Northern Ireland. Protestants have killed Catholics in England, Catholics killed Moors and one another during the Inquisition, and Protestants killed "witches" in Massachusetts. It truly is tragic how often God's people kill God's people. But that is neither the reason we went to Iraq, nor a reson we should stay. We would not have tolerated an invading force to end slavery, to stop our incredibly bloody Civil War, or to put an end to the genocide of the American Indians in this country. It should not be surprising that our invasion is intolerabe to them.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Gene in Tennessee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:17:19 GMT

THERE ARE ONLY TWO SIDES HUMANITY CAN TAKE IN REGARD TO ACTS OF AGGRESSION. THE PROMOTION OF WAR AND KILLING HUMAN BEINGS OR BY NOT PROMOTING WAR AND NOT KILLING HUMAN BEINGS. PEACE CANNOT BE ACHEIVED BY KILLING BECAUSE BY PROMOTING KILLING YOU ARE DESTROYING PEACE. TOO SIMPLE YOU SAY? KILL EVERYONE WHO OPPOSES YOU AND YOU WIN AND THEN THERE IS PEACE? KILLING CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED BY ANYONE WHO HAS REAL MORALITY AND LOVE FOR ALL HUMANITY. TO TRULY PROMOTE PEACE, LOVE AND TO RESPECT OTHERS IN DOING SO IT MUST BE RECIPROCATED BY EVERY PERSON ON A ONE TO ONE PERSON BASIS WITHOUT PRE-CONDITION, NOT BY FOLLOWING A GOVERNMENTS COLLECTIVE AGGRESSION PLAN THAT FORCES US TO CARRY OUT IT'S IDEALOGY. TO GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY AND KILL PEOPLE FOR WHATEVER REASON IS NEVER JUSTIFIED ,IT'S WRONG. ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS COLLECTIVE AGGRESSION IN ANY FORM WHATSOEVER FOR ANY REASON TOWARDS ANYONE PERSON OR AN ENTIRE NATION IS COMMITTING AN ABOMINATION OF EVIL HATE TOWARDS GOD HIMSELF. NO, I AM NOT A RELIGIOUS NUT BUT I DO KNOW THAT IT IS RIGHT TO LOVE EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THEIR ORIGIN, RACE OR RELIGION. THE ONLY RIGHT ANYONE HAS TO KILL ANOTHER HUMAN BEING PERIOD IS IN ONES OWN SELF DEFENSE WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO SAVE ONES OWN LIFE. THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE CAN CALL SELF DEFENSE FIGHTING FOR ANY COLLECTIVE OR GOVERNMENT WHO HAS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT INTERESTS FOR KILLING THAN FOR SAVING THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL LIVES. WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS CALLED "SELF DEFENSE" THE TERM APPLIES TO ONLY AN INDIVIDUAL NOT A COLLECTIVE OR A GOVERNMENT. THIS TERM "SELF DEFENSE" HAS BEEN MIS-REPRESENTED TO PEOPLE BY GOVERNMENTS WHO EXPECT US ALL TO TAKE UP ARMS TO DEFEND THE CAUSE.
EVERYONE OF US SHOULD BE PROMOTING PEACE BY TAKING A STAND TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT TOWARD OUR FELLOW HUMANS ON THIS ENTIRE PLANET, ANYTHING LESS CANNOT BE CALLED PEACE. HATE MONGERS GO TO WAR TO KILL FOR WHAT EVER REASON SEEMS RIGHT TO THEM BUT IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE REASON IS BECAUSE ANY KILLING IS WRONG AND ALL THOSE THAT SUPPORT DEATH AND DESTRUCTION WILL SUFFER IN THEIR OWN WAY FOR IT. GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO KILL EACH OTHER BECAUSE IT IS SIMPLY AND COMPLETELY WRONG. MANY WORLD LEADERS AND THEIR CONSTITUANTS WHO HOLD HIGH POSITIONS OF POWER OVER THE MASSES OF PEOPLE ON THE PLANET ARE SO FULL OF GREED FOR MORE POWER AND WEALTH WORLDWIDE THAT THEY FORCE US ALL TO BE GOOD PATRIOTS AND SUPPORT THEIR INTERESTS IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. WHY LET YOURSELF BE USED TO PROMOTE KILLING OF YOUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS, REMOVE ANY GOVERNMENTS IMPOSED NATIONAL PATRIOTISM FROM THE INDIVIDUAL AND THERE WILL BE NO REASON FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO SUPPORT COLLECTIVE AGRESSION. THE PHILOSOPHY OF GOVERNMENT AND IT'S LEADERS ARE CLEARLY RESPONSIBLE FOR WAR WAGED FAR AND WIDE ACROSS OUR PLANET. TO SUPPORT PEACE FLIES IN THE FACE OF GOVERNMENT AS WE KNOW IT. MY LOVING PARENTS TAUGHT ME THROUGH MANY EXAMPLES DURING MY LIFE THAT THERE COMES A TIME WHEN EACH OF US MUST CHOOSE TO FOLLOW OUR LEADERS OR TO FOLLOW OUR OWN HEARTS. "THIS IS CLEARLY ONE OF THOSE TIMES"

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kemihi, Athens, Alabama — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:23:08 GMT

Yes, Muslims are killing Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere, and have been doing so for centuries. Sadly, they are not alone. Catholics and Protestants have killed one another in Northern Ireland and in England. Catholics killed Moors and one another during the Inquisition, and Protestants killed "witches" in Massachusetts. It is tragic that so many of God's people are killed by so many of God's people. But that is not why we invaded Iraq, and it is no reason to stay there. We would not have tolerated an invading army to end slavery in our country, or to stop our bloody Civil War, or even to restrain us during the genocide of the native Americans. Is it so surprising that Iraq and the rest of the world are finding our invasion equally intolerable?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

T- A, Turkey — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:24:54 GMT

"It is their fault they have been killing each other by the millions since the dawn of civilization." is this your excuse? I am sure it happens all the time, all over the world (what actually happened to American Indians). Remember A. Hitler, he wasn't Arabic, don't forget Stalin. And don't forget G. W. Bush, our new "hero".

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Michael, Seattle, WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:28:19 GMT

Seems to me that the only way this is going to come to a satisfactory conclusion (for anyone) is to rid the world of Islam. Unless the Islamists come to the realization that their religion is NOT serving any useful purpose in their culture or the world at large, then how can anyone argue for it's continued existence?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

1C, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:55:10 GMT

3-D has got it right. The culture in Iraq is vastly different. It's naive to begin to think we could alter it in anyway towards what we American's cherish, life...liberty...pursuit of happiness. Their only cultural icons are the fervent preachers of Islam, where we practice and protect secularity and freedom of religion, they enforce Islam. You can't change these people in 5 years or ten. How much American capital(money,young lives,ideas) that could be used to further our own infrastructure, economy, health, and way of life are we willing to waste for murderers, thieves, and religious zealots? Take it from soldiers that walk the streets and not the higher ups that cow-tow to american politics.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Joe, San Francisco, Ca — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:07:29 GMT

We went into their country on a false premise. We didn't need to take the "war on terrorism" their. Argueing about the nature of the war is ridiculous cause the war is wrong from the start, it will never be the right war, or right move to have made. Its why there has been a rotation of reasons we went to Iraq, cause the first reason didn't hold up, insert new one, that doesn't hold up, insert new one etc. They are all false.

Now, their is Iraqi on Iraqi violence, for certain. However, we cannot over look our responsibility or our part in this. We removed the powers that be (albeit vicious dictorialship). Did we not think then that there would be a mad dash for power. Its a country full of several suppressed peoples. They're angry and looking for their first chance in god knows how long to have control over their own voices. It is now a civil war, and we've taken part in creating it. We may not have intended to but we did. This is not a red and blue issue, you cannot see this situation through the lenses of political parties. No decision made thus far has been correct or innocent.

If we can agree that just because our hearts may have been in the right place doesn't mean we NEED to be there. Should we pull out? Yes. Why? Cause we never should have been there and playing chess with the lives of our countrymen is ludicrous. Will we pull out? No. Why? Cause our next conflict is Iran. If you ask me, Iraq isn't about Iraq at all, its about strategically places ourselves within striking distance of Iran and our gearing up for the next cold war. Their is a new rally for socialism that is pretty vehemently anti-american. I seem to remember Putin getting fairly upset about some eastern european missle base we wanted to build...we are in the middle of the war and we have plans for missle bases that have nothing to do with Iraq...doesn't that seem a little gratuitous? Not if you look at the bigger picture.

If you are for or against this war, doesn't matter. No one is seeing the bigger picture. The powers over us have plans that far exceed the understanding of the people.

Think harder.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Syed — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:12:41 GMT

I must say the ignorance depicted by the average american is staggering. Iraq never was, and thanks to the pre-middle ages this war of terror and Liberation has thrown Iraq into, never will be a threat to the US or any other country in the world. The WMDs that your war mongering president swindled you into believing never exisited. The links with Al-Qaeda never were there. Whats heart breaking is millions of you Americans still believe Iraq and Islam have a hidden agenda to destroy you.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Chris Minter, Louisville, Ky. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:00:20 GMT

SO many opinions yet so little research done to even have one. We, meaning the good ole USA are in Iraq for several selfish reasons. Strike that I meant to say the Excutive Branch, the top Brass at the Pentagon, all your neighborhood Defence contracting services, and Lets not forget Halliburten, are in cahoots together as one big exclusive lets get Rich and screw everybody Else club. These combined Ultra Powerful forces are in Iraq for Big profits, Big Oil, and Big Lie's, and the Ultra Big Ripoff of the American Taxpayer. Yes you,( Dummy ) are paying for all this. Paying Powerful filthy Rich Ivy League Butt Heads to get even More filthy Rich,from your own Hard Work and Sweat. Thats right they created 2 little convienient back to back, and even simultainous Wars to get Rich and gain ultimate power for... well now it would seem for forever and ever. What Putz's we are. We let the dim witted George Bush, with the help of his side kick and evil mastermind Dick,( Do you think his Mother just knew when she named him ) Cheney take us all down the road to Hell and back, and back to Hell again. But I have to give these guys some credit, because after all they did give us all what we really wanted which was both lower and no new federal tax's for the last 6 years or so. It's amazing what the average American is willing to accept and tolerate as long as you don't raise his federal tax burden. Yes for years now we have all known that this War on the so called terror threat is sinking this country in trillions of dollars in additional national debt. But hey we were pretty much OK with that just as long as it didn't come directly out of our own pockets. But we all know now that the debt and our huge National deficit has cost us more out of our own pockets than we ever could have imagined in our wildest nightmares. This out of my pocket cost is called out of control Inflation, and out of control home energy and gasoline prices. Also worth mention is the totally out of control Interest Rates on personal Credit Card Debt. This is all because, or at the very least partly because of the the huge National Debt this country has, and forever will have long into the forseeable future. You see not only has our government borrowed trillions from world banks and other international Lenders, it also Constantly creates and prints Money based on nothing but thin air, and America's economic reputation in the world markets. This present economic policy has made our currency go down in value rapidly during the Bush administration, and is one of the main reasons why we pay so much more now for goods and services than we did just 5 years ago. This is also part of the filthy Rich Man's game of getting even more filthy Richer off the backs of the working people and families of this country. Add to this out of control Personal and family Medical Costs, and ever increasing Monthly Medical premiums, and you have a National Economic Disaster written all over the wall. And if that was not enough, they now say in about 10 years are so down the road this country won't be able to cover it's own social security retirement gaurantees because of all the baby boomers that will be of retirment age at that time. And that would include Medicare being in trouble along with it. And don't forget about the immigration problem and all the troubles it brings as the icing on the cake. The Wake Call is Now..!! We as a People of the Greatest Country on Earth, These United States of America, need to begin taking control of our own present, and future. Let the People Join together and Let's look our Leaders in the eye and tell them we demand change based on Real Common Sense Idea's. Let us also demand our Leaders, and the TV, and newspaper Media tell us the Truth and quit hiding behind convienent Lies. Let the people join in unity as one country guided and protected by the original Bill Of Rights and our Constitution. Let the people demand, and get real justice against those that infringe on our Rights as U.S. Citizens. Let the people stand tall and be heard once agian as the real voice, and the real policy makers of this Great Free Nation. Let America once again, or maybe for the first time become a true symbol and beacon for real freedom and justice for all. Oh Yaa I allmost forgot, Let the Will of the People be heard and acted upon, and lets get our Brave Overworked and Overdeployed Military troops back home and safe Now..!!! Enough is Enough. Please I Beg of you all, Join together now and Demand to be heard before it's to Late..!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Boyd A Reimnitz Mitchell SD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:03:57 GMT

Our little minds...We see that the people in Iraq are killing each other and say it is Bushes fault... These people have been killing each other for 100's of years...Saddam was killing his people by the millions (look at his war with Iran, the number of deaths in that war are almost unbelievable), we killed a few in our invasion, now the people from outside Iraq, have come in Iran, Syria, Saudi...they are there having fun killing more. The killing will not stop. It is not and never was Bushes fault. We did for the Iraq people what they could not do for themselves. We removed a bully from his place of power. Now others are struggling for that opening we created. We need to stay till a new power is in place that has a reasonable amount of control of the situation...So many of you sit in your houses and judge this situation by your set of standards. You think these people should act a certain way. Our set of laws was based on 10 commandments. ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'

Their set of ideals is so different we can not begin to think like they do. For example kill yourself while killing someone who does not believe how you believe and you go straight to heaven and get 40 virgins...Poor virgins

Iraq's Valley of Peace

ss,PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:16:17 GMT

Francois Bechard, Paris, France (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:55 PM)
(Saddam killed 300! W caused the death of 300,000. How can we dare compare..)

I think the numbers are a little wrong there buddy

And what about France how many people in Vietnam were killed

USA did not start that war

Nobody remebers it was FRANCE!!!!!!!!!
Who Saved France In Vietnam?
Who Was NEVER THANKED?

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maverick,williamstown,nj — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:22:35 GMT

these "bodies" used to be people what have we done to deserve to be sitting on the
other side of the computer screen by what luck or chance is it that we weren't born middle eastern and if we had been would our poor-spective have changed. Pray for stability opportunity for the poor here and in the middle east

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Abdi,St Louis,Mo — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:30:56 GMT

As A muslin and an American am outraged by what is going on in Iraq,guys this is not about religion...these people have been living together without any issues for a long time how come allover sudden there is all these fighting..it just doesnt add up..

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Sue Huy, Ephrata, PA 17522 — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:31:28 GMT

Please............we kill approximately 200,000 Americans here each and every year (that makes almost 800,000 American dead here in this country we have slain ourselves in the almost four years the war in Iraq has lasted) by denyinig them access to health care...so how are we any better than Iraqis killing Itraquis..only here we do it not according to religion, but according to pocketbook! So who are we to point fingers at anyone? Anyone recall the4 phrase.."Judge not, lest you be judged"?

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M. J. Riley, Neptune, NJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:35:26 GMT

The only religion in the world that is more intolerant than Islam is Liberalism!

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frank thompson,sparta tn. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:36:00 GMT

the problem in iraq is that we are trying to bring democracy to a people that is not socialy evolved enough to deal with it (live and let live, not kill and let die) so that we can buy their oil in a free market that a dictator can not controll it. i hear all these people harping about get out of iraq,have any of you considered what is going to happen in the middle east in the next 2 years if we do? mr. bush has and the picture is scary....

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R. Secatore, Newburyport, MA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:48:48 GMT

Exactly who is "they"? A number of posters here have said that everything would be OK if "they" would stop fighting. There are over 24 million people in Iraq; if only half of them are truly hoping for the violence to end, that's 12 million people who don't belong to the evil "they" group.

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BiBi, Okinawa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:57:22 GMT

I am reading your comments and your arguments, and as a Mother, Wife, and Airman who has just returned from Iraq. There is nothing like walking outside observing the weather, and saying to yourself or your wingman, "Well there is no wind tonight, I bet we'll get attacked," then to find yourself in your tent getting ready for bed, when all of the sudden you feel the ground move, and a few seconds later you hear the most high pitched whistle you have ever heard in your life, followed by an earth shaking crash. All you can do is wonder, where your tent mates are, should you climb under the bed, and how long will it last tonight? You know the sad thing is that after deploying, I couldn't even tell you what our purpose is over there. You see all of the homeless children, and then you find out their country does not even allow outside adoption. So do they really want help, I would have thought they would at least want an outside opportunity to better the lives of the orphaned children. The citizens of Iraq do not want us there, and it was quite evident to each Airman, Soldier, Romanian, Brit, and Aussie troop everytime we had a memorial service or attack within our camp.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to whether or not we should be in Iraq, but even after Iraq, we will still be in Afghanistan going through the same thing.
I hope that everyone exercises their right to vote.

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maverick — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:57:36 GMT

in 1947 the Truman Doctrine sums it up
I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside
pressures.
I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their differences in their own way.

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ely b. barrigada, guam — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:58:03 GMT

when saddam hussien was the leader in iraq all sunnies are the tough people in iraq along with baath party, then the US came to topple saddam and right now al- maliki was the leader in iraq together with al-sadr with the shiites which is acting tough, this time both groups are doing there revenge and bush got the blame, our president is only trying to construct a legitimate peace in irag to make the neighboring countries to gain respect to the americans of its purpose

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gio. brooklyn ny — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:58:15 GMT

blame the idiot of Bush no matther how bad is there is always the same thing give more time be patient and we going to win... sound like a broken record. people of america in the elections give them the boot there is no way that this people dont seee the failure of this adminitration..

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HTF — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:05:58 GMT

Its not our war to begin with.... Lets bring our troops home.

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Zig in Mi. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:15:02 GMT

When the Turks occupied Arabia the diffrent warring tribes would from time to time,put their religous diffrences aside and vow to throw the invaders out. Nothing is a secrete to the Arabs and these plans would find thrir way to the Turks who would simply leave the city to be attacked. When the tribes got there and found no Turks to fight, they blamed each other for missing them and fought among themselves. The Turks returned in a few weeks and foung a bunch of dead Arabs, cleaned things up and went back to what they did before autil the next time; then they did it all over. The Arabs don't care who they fight with as long as they fight. Saddam realized this and knew the only way to keep power in Iraq is to sepirate and terroize both sides to keep them from uniting aginst him.We have yet to learn the lesson of the Turks; the Arabs( suni and shite Iraqis) don't care who they fight, as long as their free to fight someone they will.The same guy giveing you info on millitants this morning will be planting a IED tonight.

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ely guam island — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:31:33 GMT

you guys must have to think this , if we pull out the troops in iraq the next thing to happened is that all neighboring muslim country will regroup and gain control over iraq and stablish a world power that even the whole united states can not control it any any more and you think whats next? they are coming to our yard, right now they are starting to control over at the tri state in the south america and all over europe, is this not scary , how can you defend yourself if time comes, you already got caught in the hook , stop blaming bush he needs our support

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ely b. barrigada, guam — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:32:39 GMT

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R. Fisher. Exeter, England. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:43:59 GMT

Being an US citizen and living in England has truly opened my eyes to many things, for instance, how much the US news has kept us uninformed about this war and generally, about world politics all together. The latest attacks here in England were only unsuccessful due to the average citizen noticing a car parked suspiciously. The terrorist threat is real, and though I do not think we should live in fear, or change our way of life (since I'm not sure extremists really know why they want to kill Westerners anymore), I think we need to pull together and keep a closer eye on all our brothers and sisters, talk to people, be social, get involved. Hate isn't resolved with hate in return, nor violence, it must be steadily sufficated over time with love. For anyone who practices any intolerance of any social group and uses this war as an excuse to do so, I urge you to take a step back and realize that you are only fueling the fire. There will be no winner to this war, there has always been right and wrong, good and evil, better and worse. Which side are we on? And what are we doing as individuals to contribute? Do you know your neighbors, do you participate in your community, do you reach out and give a hand to those in need? What of your family, do you speak, are you close, what do you teach your children? Live the best life you can, help others, and let go of hate-the only way to overcome is to resist fighting hate with hate.Take a closer look at yourselves, wherein the first steps toward peace reside. Hippy nonsense you think? Look how other cultures bind together in tradgedy and continue, are they living in fear? Or making the best of every day in hopes for a better future?

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Steve — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:51:06 GMT

First of all the resistance, (people who live there that had their homes smashed in, their families murdered, their water polluted with deadly toxins, and their farm lands destroyed) are trying to protect themselves from the invaders, and they are wining this war.
We should have learned from Hitler that when you illegally invade other countries and murder innocent people so you can steal their resources and dominate their country that eventually the good Lord intervenes and punishes the wicked, so it's no wonder we are loosing our sons and daughters and 3/4 of a trillion dollars so far.
Look at Viet Nam, Koreah, Afghanistan and Iraq. We can't win wars that we illegally, immorally and unethically start. God is with them, because we are tresspassing and murdering innocent people without a cause other than to steal and occupy.
This will cost us and our children more than money. No wonder the world hates us. http://www.iwilltryit.com/lebanon1.htm

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Kris,Bagram Afghanistan(the forgotten war) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:56:58 GMT

A comment from France! Now I've heard it all...I've been in Iraq over two years(protecting troops from roadside bombs)and all the people who exempt the IRAQIS from their own bloodshed are sheep, listening to people who have formed all their opinions by listening to other bleeding hearts, not being there!Please discontinue this nonsense, as everyday I see troops helping women and children to lead better lives than they have imagined....think Saddam only killed 300, or the Taliban on killed 4000, guess again. They killed millions each, as will be told when the wars in these two countries are over. If you have no better solution, you should shut your traps. The religions these people practice have enabled this bloodhed long before we showed up, but hopefully through our education and kindness we can help them become more than the heartless souls they act like. And anyone from France can try and take care of their own countries problems, they haven't been too bothered by these wars, except to criticise the US!

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~~DIZZZLE~~SAN DIEGO,CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:04:14 GMT

First of all,theres always a reason to everything.As of being an american in the u.s. all i am aware of is one thing that sums it up 2 make a war?MONEY!! of course.it all comes down to that.if people want a war its gonna be because of obvious controllers that must be too greedy and wealthy to see it.and how could wars get so big that they cant be worked out and stopped before the thousands and millions of innocent people and families are lost??there must be a big problem that alot of people are blind to see.i think it is greed amd power.its understandable to fight for our country and not lose our resources and ways of living.have we ever went to a war with a dictator with power that was simply asking for help??i dont think so.and have we ever went to war and not know why??i think theres way too many views and ways u can go about this that it really just makes our country look bad itself.i dont think many of us even know why were at war..yes..money..but why do we have to have a war??is there reasons we cant work with others that bad??and vice versa??seems like theres a lack of communication between whatever parties go to war.and the lack of education to work them out.it seems easier said then done i guess..

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mark Townsend huntingdon pa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:06:32 GMT

Iraq should be broke up into three countrys the kurds in the north, the sinnis, and shiittes in the south. This can be accomplished and must if peace is to be made. We need the United Nations and the smart people in President Clintons cabinet. Not the people of the old President Bush regime they like war and money not peace and loss of life like this President that has no idea what is going over there.

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Jackson Wester, Camp Liberty, Iraq — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:13:28 GMT

I am currently a soldier who is deployed in Iraq, it is my second time being here. The first time was when we took the city of Baghdad and eleminated Saddam Hussien's government. I am currently on month 11 this time. I have seen two very different fights. One thing they both have in common is that the average Iraqi doesn't want us to leave because we are all that stands between them and a genocidal cival war. I do not like being here and I hope that I never have to return here; however, what we are doing here is good. I have patrolled in neiborhoods that were mostly Shia, neiborhoods that were mostly Sunni, and neiborhoods that were a mix of religions to include Christian. All I can say is that it is not the US soldier who is killing the innocent, we are doing everything in our power to stop it. I know that every dead body I find weighs heavily on my soul as someone I failed to save. Placing blame will only further the problem not help it. I don't have the answer but I know that a sudden withdrawl of troops such as in Vietnam will only provoke greater violence in Iraq.

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Miles Henderson, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:14:03 GMT

The U.S. needs to get out of Iraq--period-Case Closed!

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Army Spouse , Fort Bliss TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:15:40 GMT

For all the readers that disagree with the effort put forth by our military I have a few words for you (Live it) and you will see the gratitude on their faces. The United States was asked to save the people and that is what they are trying to do. And your efforts to discourage the Military in your words is un-American it is not the Militaries nor the United States Fault that this has become a Religious civil war but it is our Job to see that we try to save the innocent people that want their freedom. Our Husbands, Sons, and Daughters Wives even Grand parents believe in what they are doing because they are there You aren’t Show Pride in our Country and the men and woman that serve this great nation that allow us to have and enjoy our freedom.

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L. Quillin, The Woodlands, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:18:18 GMT

It's a sad fact that these people have been killing each other for thousands of years. Saddam was ruthless because he had to be to keep some semblance of order. The Iraquis are are still living in the 14th century and are not ready for democracy.

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J. Thomas Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:21:40 GMT

Bush, Rove, Cheney, They have our oil under their sand
what else needs to be said. Lie, cheat, steal and destroy in the name of the almighty dollar.

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Dave, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:30:43 GMT

Recently in Iran, a man was stoned to death - by the government. This is not downtown San Fransisco that we're fighting in, this is the Middle East. They have a religion that calls them to punish anyone who does not obey their God. I'm not judging that, just making the point. If they are obeying their own laws and their own religion, then they will attack anyone that they think is disobeying God. If left alone, they would continue to attack each other as they have for centuries, and we would never hear anything more about them. Unfortunately, they also have a large percentage of the oil in the world. We realistically cannot keep our way of life intact without coming up with a different supply of power or interacting with the people in the Middle East for oil. When they interact with us, they see all of the ways that we do not obey their God. This is what causes the hatred of the US, they want to punish us for our atrocities against their God (we impeached Clinton and laughed at him in political cartoons for his adultery, the same offense committed by the Iranian who was recently stoned to death). So, we either have to keep them from being powerful enough to attack us (the current strategy), come up with a different source of power, or just let them attack at will. Now how expensive does ethanol look?

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JBts Killeen, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:30:45 GMT

Wow, reading some of these posts is something else. As a Soldier with two tours and an impending third, I'll tell you all that the US is doing everything we can to a certain degree. Their customs and the language barrier are our biggest foes. Like mentioned by someone in this thread, before the US the massive killings were happening, but because the media wasn't there to record and spread it to the world no one knew. I believe we are doing a noble thing. Do I want to go a third time? Absolutely not, do I have too? Yes, and I believe our purpose is a noble one. There are many things that go unreported. For example how my unit provided for a village outside our military base. We paid to get their common utilities started-water, electricity, trash pickup, etc. We paid for their fire dept, police force and outfitted them with their vehicles. Basically we (US Army) set up their entire municipal government. As a result of this the Western Devils as they were led to believe were nothing like they were told and the attacks on our base are no almost non-existent. With interpreters we have found out that they were led to believe we had come to enslave everyone and kill those who oppose us. We were supposed to be dictators, and turn-out to be the best thing that had happened to them. The town people have turned-in numerous insurgents who have attempted to bring explosive material into their town. We have won their friendship and trust. There are many towns like this across Iraq. Unfortunately, there are even more that we have been unable to touch in a positive way. Each and every time we have a battle in their town and an innocent victim gets hurt, the blame is automatically on the us, (US Army). Believe that we are doing a good, thing and know that benevolent acts don't make prime time new.

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dosey, philly, pa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:35:39 GMT

It’s really sad and pathetic to see Iraqis killing Iraqis but who’s responsible for it.
Honza a reply to your statistics and to Scott how about America changes it’s policies towards ME. Why is it terrorists want to kill only Americans and people of the countries that have a hand in war.
How about America stand for justice instead of so called “protect our interest” and do injustice in the world by going to wars with countries that have not harmed Americans anyway. How about our government stop covert operations to police the world.
I agree Saddam was a tyrant but so is Bush. We talk about democracy why is it bush not listening to people in a democratic nation. Why is he acting like a dictator?
You people who are blinded by the lies of bush need to wake up and see the reality.

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Mary, Inverness, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:38:15 GMT

Sorry, but I don't think there are very many innocents in Iraq. Did you not see the media coverage after 9/11 with the "innocents" dancing in the street and giving out candy and burning our flag? I know this will never happen but we should give them one month to give up Bin Laden and the rest of the Taliban and Al Quida or bomb one city to smithereens. Next month, same thing. Start with Iraq and work our way to Iran. And every time I read or hear someone saying Saddam did not have WMD I have to wonder how these people even find their way to the television in the morning. If you had something illegal in your house and I told you for almost a year I was coming to search for it, wouldn't you give it to your best friend( Syria)? If you ask me, internment does not sound like such a bad idea, that or deportment. Ask England, those people were in that country for 20 years. And, sadly, we would have let them come here. It is only a matter of time before they kill more of us here, 9/11 only whetted their appetite for American blood.

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Luke, San Antonio, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:41:36 GMT

How dumb can some of you honestly be? Unless you have been to the country, why even open your mouth? All that most of you are repeating is what you have heard from the MEDIA. You have shown how small minded you are, and how easily the media allowed you to spew out their scripts for them. Unless you have personally built a school there, while being bombed on the way. Seen children and women used as human shields for a TRIBAL grievance. Seen water and sewage flowing through the streets, which were left there by SADDAM. No WMD's, who cares, the guy gassed his own soldiers in the Iran/Iraq war. He killed thousands of people for not kissing his feet, his sons raped and murdered at will. The only way to become a school teacher, politician, chemist, physicist, or any other good paying job was to join the Baath party. The Shiites and Sunni's have been killing each other since Mohammed couldn't name a successor, and kill over things like your cow is on my land. So, again, until you have gone and seen what we have day in and day out, don't sit here and repeat what the Media is leading you to believe. Just support those who VOLUNTARILY signed the contract and stood and swore-in. There was no draft, you sign up for college money and get sent there, too bad. They all signed up on their own free will. When you have spoken in their own language to them about the atrocitites that the Saddam Regime forced them to live under, and drive/walk down those streets and see what conditions they live in, then you have a leg to stand on.

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Tommy Boy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:46:06 GMT

I woke up this morning with a hemmorhoid, and it's George Bush's fault!!! And I can't spell, and that's his fault too, even though I'm 46 years old!

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Terrel Timmins Dallas, Tx — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:50:39 GMT

If we talk loud and long enough on Iraq will Afganistan just go away and we can forget about Bin Laden ?

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GC, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:51:27 GMT

I don't care about the so-called innocent Iraqis, they should turn in all the terrorists insted of hidding them in their homes. I care about Americans dieing over there.

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PJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:52:02 GMT

Albert: "George Bush .... reads" Now THAT'S news.

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Doug,TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:53:11 GMT

They hate us because were not Muslim and feel they should rule the world under their religous beliefs. I hate to say it but it's better to fight them over there than here in our streets. Now they are spreading the terror to Europe; next to us again??
I feel we were right in going to war but now it's time for them to step up and run their own country. If they want to keep killing each other fine.

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John, MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:53:52 GMT

There is an answer!

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DJCERCONE — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:01:15 GMT

YOU AMERICAN HATERS ARE SPECIAL.....9/11 AND CLINTONS LACKIES GIVING SPEECHES IN THE SENATE FOR REGIME CHANGE. REMEMBER THE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION KERRY AND MS CLINTON TALKED ABOUT AND HOW SURE THEY WERE THEN.
I WOULD RATHER WE MADE A MISTAKE THAN NOT, WE SHALL SOON FEEL THE ATTACKS HERE FROM THE SAME PEOPLE WE ARE FIGHTING IN IRAQ AND I HOPE THAT YOU BLAMERS OF AMERICA GET A FIRST HAND VIEW OF TERRORISTS. REMEMBER 9/11 HAPPENED BEFORE WE WERE IN IRAQ AND WHEN WE LEAVE IT WILL BE HERE.

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Nancy, Casper, WY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:07:44 GMT

I can not believe what these people are blogging! The death's in Iraq were most definately stirred up and aided by our own American Government. Get a grip! Of course there are tribal differences. These peoples were thrown together by other governments wishing to manage a neighborhood they had absolutley no business being in. We are just the latest in a long long list. Do those that honestly believe this is simply a tribal problem read the news? When did this digraceful jump in Iraqi deaths start? Was it sometime after we invaded a country we had no business in? How hard is it to admit WE the Untied States of America are largely responsible for the suffering of millions of peoples around the globe, not just those poor souls in Iraq. Politics is more important than people and money rules the world.
We are "Rome" and soon, if the American people do not act, we will fall like Rome.
I am so ashamed and ask forgivness daily for not being able to effect change.
We can actually learn by knowing our histories and that of others. We can, together, stop this if we have the will and courage to stand up to tyrants!

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Andy Bauer, Jackson MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:10:47 GMT

We-America- will never change the way the middleeast thinks, they have been fighting for hundreds of years. The cannot agree to desagree, they hate each other and are willing to die at a drop of a coin. You cannot help those who choose not to help themselves.

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SGT US Army FT. Hood TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:14:08 GMT

you all need to read your history and see that they have been at war since the day of the Lord. Do not blame the Army for what they have done. If you do not like what is going on then by all means go over there and do something.

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Dorset. England — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:18:33 GMT

America/england has nothing to be ashamed of. Our countries have been attacked by cowardly terrorists.we were given mis information about WWMD. But in a country that big difficult to tell. Have people forgotten the chemical/ biological experiments carried out on the Kurds? The huge gun/mortar that was built pointing at Israel. I served in the forces during the Falklands war my son will join the army soon, you hope the government does the right thing but giving in to Dictaters is not. Interesting to see how religious Saddam became when the end approached.I hope to see Mugabi hanging from a tree soon.
America and England The place where you can see the diaffected of the world trying to move to. we are awash with Afghans, iraqis, eastern europeans of all nationalities. We cannot be all that bad. Trouble is they have also let in the evil people who hate our freedom!
I say pull our troops put soon. they have to sort it out themselves. We have to find a new source of energy!

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phillip, Tuscaloosa, Al — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:21:06 GMT

Why do ignorant liberals continue to say this war is about oil??? If we had control of the oil in Iraq, we wouldn't be paying $3 / gallon for gasoline!
There is no doubt that the war has been mis handled, but we can't leave the Iraqi people until their government is well established. We have to finish what was started.

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Mike Dwyer, Coeur d'Alene, Id. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:26:28 GMT

Iraq is a culture that has been at war with each other since biblical times. It is presumptive and arrogant of the United States to believe that we can impose our form of government on these people. In truth, the Iraqi people are not going to "stop killing each other" as so many here have sited. This is the Iraqi culture, nothing more, nothing less. It is sad, it is hurtful, it is frustrating to see what is happening to the Iraqi people and our military and there are no quick or easy answers to the situation. My hope is that we will bring our troops home soon. God bless America.

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Akber A. Kassam, New-York City, New York. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:26:59 GMT

I think President Bush made huge mistakeby invadind Iraq in the first place, Saddam Hussein related not any kind of terrorist threath to United States, nor he was assosiated with Osama bin Laden and his terrorist organizations nor he was involved in 9/11 attack, nor he has any WMD'S. Now we are caught in between their unnecessary civil war, we killed tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi's on American name. Iraqi people Shias or Sunnis they hate us, and it's against Islamic law if any foreign country invade and occupied any Muslim nation.!!!

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Cluj, Alexandria, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:27:49 GMT

My question for those that oppose our efforts in Iraq is are you against all war or just this one, if you oppose all war no matter the reason, my point is moot? Being American, I believe we live in the best system that has existed, this can be proven quantitatively. I am no proponent of war, there are severe consequences for these actions, but to say that we are only in Iraq for oil or only there for the President's vengeance isn't looking at the whole picture. I feel there are many reasons that we are there negative and positive, I disagree with many things the president has done planning and execution wise after the initial attack, however, I do want our service people home but a timetable and retreat would take away any accomplishments that have been made thus far. If the Democratic lawmakers had any resolve and truly wanted the troops home cutoff funding for the war efforts. There is such a thing as collateral damage in war, it is a horrible thought, but it is unavoidable. During WWII there wasn't as much dissent about dropping the bomb in Japan, it was widely believed that this action actually saved lives, we did oppose our will with this action and after it, however, Japan is now one of the most soverign and succesful countries in the world. If we leave Iraq early all of those who have died, would have died for nothing. I do believe it is our responsibility as Americans to monitor and question things, keep our government honest and for the people. I wish we could focus on the reverse of some of our more militaristic actions and see how much aid we give out around the world financially and or otherwise. We might flex our muscles, but we at least have a conscience about it.

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Kerri, Baytown, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:29:05 GMT

I have great sympathy for the people of Iraq, My husband is a disabled Viet Nam Vet. He suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He spent a year in Nam and it distroyed his life and his mind. I can not imagine the trauma these people have suffered. But the truth is, they were suffering trauma before we got there. Sadam was a brutal mass murderer, he tourchered, cut peoples hands off, oh my God the things that man did to his own people. The people of the middle east have been living like this for thousands of years. I don't know how a civilization can exist under those conditions but they have. The problem here is these people have a brutal mind set, and they will never be able to agree on anything. Four years and they still don't have a viable police, security force or army, thier leaders after 4 years have not agreed on anything. I don't see a solution here. But the women and children are the ones I care about, they have no rights, no voice and no options. They are slaves to an abusive, and brutal culture with no way out. I will pray for them every night.

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An Independent, Kerrville, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:32:57 GMT

Re: Charles Bryant, Lakeland, Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:41 PM) - I agree that it would be great to have G W Bush at the front lines. I might even support his war if he put his two daughters there in his place. I wonder how long it would take him to bring them home if they were in the front line.

Saddam was a terrible man, but he ruled his country and there was no Al Queda there and he was not a threat to the USA at the time. Bush should have kept the troops in Afghanistan (or moved them into Pakistan if necessary) until he caught or killed Osama Bin Laudin and hung him from the Rafters for the world to see. If he had done that, he could have pointed his finger at Iran, Iraq, and North Korea and asked who wanted to be next. Now Iran is certainly a much larger threat to the USA than Iraq.

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Nancy, Casper, WY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:36:01 GMT

Many thanks to Mr. JBts of Killeen, TX. I am very proud of your service and do believe you are a noble man. It seems both sides of this war were sold hefty misinformation. When this "war" began I believed that our mission was exactly as you described. It is tragic you guys have to continue to do this daily and in some cases over and over in the same place. I am truly sorry you have to go on yet another tour. We are fighting to bring you home, whole. I only pray you can hang on.
Again, thnak you.
Nancy Currah
Casper, WY

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Paul Mounts, Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:36:32 GMT

As part of my daily routine I read the blogs. I have never tried to insert an opinion on any blog I have ever read. I must make an exception after reading some of the garbage I have subjected myself to reading on this one. Let me preface by saying I am no expert or super intelligient freak who assumes to be some expert on U.S foreign policy or what we should be doing in our country or in other areas of the world. I am merely an American soldier with an opinion like you. However, it saddens me to see how twisted peoples opinions have become of what our country is, what principles we were founded on, and how we should exist in the world today. I have deployed several times and I am on the hook again for deployment in support of combat operations currently ongoing. It sickens me to see comments being made concerning Iraq and Afghanistan an so on from people who have obviously never been to these regions or who have never read any literature to justify there ignorant rants about ongoing operations. I'll merely say this. Reagardless of your political affiliation, the mistakes that have been made, or what you think of the both civilian and military leadership that are making the calls on a daily basis, America's actions are justified. I would love to see the arm chair presidents and generals on this blog make the hard decisions that our leaders are faced with every minute of the day. I agree Iraq is a quagmire. However, it is one we must face unless we want that quagmire here. Does anyone remember 911. How would that taste here again. Some of you idiots on this blog were some of the ones waving flags and hailing the president; all patriotic. You ought to be ashamed. The true test for America is what we do when times become tough. If every soldier in this country beleived in the pacifist comments you people are pushing on this blog and the give up mentality you represent we would not exist today. What a bunch of BS. America was not founded on these pacifist ideas and thank God for me and my family i fight to keep idiots like you from being givin the opportunity to rape this country in to submission like Saddam did to his. Wise up people and quit believing this pacifist doctrine that some of our media exhibit daily. The only people I am concerned with protecting or Americans and its soldiers, and yea even people around the world who desire freedom(how crazy is that); even the idiots on this blog. I apologize if I have offended anyone, but everyone on this blog needs to take a long, hard look into thenselves and realize that we received help to free ourselves too, and it is not always easy to take the hard RIGHT road. I will continue to read these blogs, but i will decline from inserting my opinions in the future since it is truly a waste of time trying to persuade people set in there opinions regardless of how moronic they may be. Instead i will focus my energies on preparing myself and my soldiers to defend America and kill Terrorists wherever they may hide in order to prevent them from showing up in your backyards. I would do it for FREE. What about some of you.

Oh yea, Frenchy stick to hiding with the rest of your retarded pacifists in France. Americans hide from no one. We like a challenge if it requires us to come to your country and free you and yours. We have done it twice remember. Sprechentse Deustche.

American Warriors Never Quit.

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Eric Fremont, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:39:28 GMT

We went to Iraq for one reason stated by Rumsfeld " Afganastan is not a big enough statement" This is a real quote.

We did not go into Iraq with the right number of troops because we wanted to outsource as much as possible. This whole nonsense about troop levels controlled by the military is a lie. When the original general in charge of the invasion planning stated we need 500,000 and 5 years he was fired.

As for those who state that they have always been killing each other what does that have to do with US We are killing them now!

Now the failure of George Bush is complete as Al Queda and the taliban is coming back in
Afghanistan.

The politicians have failed the democrats where too wimpy to take on George Bush and the Republican ignored their elected duty to question the president when they were in charge of both houses of congress.

The American people failed by letting fear rule their election choices. Bush and company are experts at scarring people but we in the end are responsible for our vote.

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Gib waupun wi. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:39:30 GMT

Why cann;t you idoits see,that the only way Hilery or the other dems can get into office is for our country to FAIL???They have been doing a great job so far.

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Deployed Airman, Iraq — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:39:31 GMT

My favorite is when the Jaysh Al Mahdi uses this revered holy place as a mortar and rocket launch point... of course if we left they would still use it to kill their brothers across the "aisle"

weather today; still sunny, hot, and dusty

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L, Denver CO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:39:36 GMT

You know, there is something to be said about Sadam Husain... After seeing how they just love to kill each other, somebody had to have an iron fist to keep them in check! He certainly knew how to keep them aligned without killing each other thus leaving all the inocent people without fear of being targeted because their beliefs were different. So they didn't have good electricity and many other faults. Well they are worse now after he was removed. He wasn't a nice guy but I don't think a nice guy can rule that country. Democracy as we live it will not work in Iraq. Besides who are we to decide on how the oldest civilization in our world should live? Our stubborn leader created this mess for a reason NO BODY REALLY KNOWS! Sure oil had something to do with it but what else? I surely don't belive anything that man has to say and I don't know how anyone can belive him, knowing that every reason he gave for that invassion was found to be false. Where is Osama by the way??? We would have captured him by now if all of those resources could have been put to use to find him.... Now our soldiers are dying for a country where most of the people we are supposed to be helping hate us. I feel for the family of soldiers that have lost their lives for the stubborn idealistic idea of our leader.

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Loonatikjenn Is every crazy, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:40:05 GMT

An old Arab saying~~~~~
"Me and my brother against my cousin. Me and my cousin against a stranger."

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:40:53 GMT

They are not used to having to work together, they are used to having one force that controls everything.

Also, you have decades of people being punished by a harsh regime and now they are finally able to exact revenge for the wrongs that they feel they have been dealt over time.

Unfortunately, for alot of the armed factions they are exercising their new found freedoms in such a way as to violate their countrymen. There are also people struggling for power.

Give it a generation or two, it will settle down as long as they are not left on their own.

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darren mudge, Ankeny<iowa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:41:28 GMT

president Bush has taken us where no other president has taken us before. this is a world terrorism problem. The united states is not the only country losing soilder, just the only one being reported on.our soilders need our help and we should give no matter how long they are there.dont be a follower, be an AMERICAN.

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Jeffrey star tiverton, RI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:41:37 GMT

America will never be the same after this, it unfortunate that somone like Bush was able to bring such devistation. Im sorry if this goes againts the grain here, but we need to pull out, bring our troops home and protect our borders. Its time to clean up the united states instead of spending trillions on liberating iraq, lets spend trillions on, schools, health care, the poor, the hungry, the american.

America no longer needs to be the big brother of the world, its time america be the mother to its people. We can step in and help iraq at what cost, american blood, for what reason, so they can fight there fight for there religion, for thier beliefs, wich differ so very much from ours. Bush lied to the american people, our alais and worst off all the very people he sent in to do his deeds, the troops. Bush is a modern day hitler, a comparitive to sadamm, its time he pay for the lies, the inncocent blood shed and every man women child and soldier killed. It is time bush stand trial for his deception. He is a criminal, one who should be tried for every single life lost. We are there becuase of the bush decisions, not the american people, whys hould we suffer while he gets richer, and his comrads fill the pockets with blood money.

We as americans need to make Bush stand trial for his lies, his decite and the death of our people, for his lies. Clkinto was impeached and humiliated for a blow job, and this serial killer will walk away clean and richer, with a library named after him.

stand true america, its time they get there just due.

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Combat Veteran, Albany, NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:45:00 GMT

One day in America the christian fundamentalists will wage a religious civil war against anyone they consider "pagan", including moderate christians. It will be just like Iraq here at home. The fundamentalist mindset is the same - christian and Muslim, America and Iraq. You can hear it daily on christian radio.

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Mark C Knoxville TN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:45:48 GMT

This war may be over Oil, Human Atrocities, Religeious Differences or Democracy. Regardless America needs to be for America. No one else in the world would stand for our freedoms like we have for others. The amount of money we are spending to liberate or dominate the Iragis could better be spent making our country independant of foriegn fuel. It could be used to develope new fuel soarces or refine our own fuel.
Once the Oil in the middle east is gone or no longer needed no one on earth will care what these people do or how many of thier own they kill. It is like trying to break up a fight between two grown men. You will get into the fight and be hurt also.
America must be for America, Not a Middle Eastern. Asian or African country that would turn thier backs on us as soon as the aid stops.
The comment about the French weapon above is sad but true.

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Kerri, Baytown, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:46:13 GMT

We should have gone in, killed Sadam and left and concentrated on finding the one we were after in the first place, Osama. We should have just liberated them and given them their country. Really, we should not have gone in at all. But that we did, we should have let them take care of their own business. And I do agree with you Al S. Our Predident is an absolute danger to our country and the world. Can we survive another 18 months with this Pres. and his administration?

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Joe Benfatti, San Diego, California — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:46:13 GMT

Many of you are being absolutely ridiculous here. We did not start the violence in the Middle East or anywhere, it has been raging in one form or another for thousands of years. When it is brought to our shores, we must respond in kind and we have every right to defend our country, people and way of life

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Joe Coker Valley al. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:47:22 GMT

To all of you whom think this is something that the parties of Iraq can settle ,think of history and the thousand of years that everyone is a enemy if they do not believe what I believe. THIS TAKES IN ALL RELIGIONS , BARE NONE SO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS REMEMBER THE SAYING ASSumption IS LIKE THE PERSON THAT HAS IT. READ THIS WORD AND FIGURE WHERE YOU STAND OR DO YOU HAVE ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT YOU SPEAK OF. This simply means that your views and mine are formed by the assumptions of others. Vietnam Vet, been there done that.

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An American citizen — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:48:20 GMT

You think everything will be so much better if we just pull out of Iraq? frankly i don't care right now... Right after 911 we were so hasty to go in and get the ones behind Bin Laden(we vowed). Now we so fast to withdraw since the body count is rising and your son may be called to duty to server in the armed forces! guess what... Freedom didn't come free, there were many casuties. December 7, 1941, our naval base in Hawaii (Pear Harbor) was invasded, with a smaller death toll than the 911 terrorist act, no one had any opositions to invade japan. Yea, i don't think we should be involved with shiites and sunnies Civil war. No country came to "aid" us during our civil war so why should we interfear with theirs. Inoccent Muslims - RARE! And i agree with you, whoever said that thing about Hitler, he tried to occupy the world with his beliefs, and now the Muslims want to occupy it with theirs! This war was a tought one, damned if you do damned if you don't. If wepull out now, they will believe they overpowered the United Stated which have the strongest military, and the terrorist strikes will be endless. Your choice, but if you wanna pull out so be it, you will be praying with the muslims five a day and watching terrorist attack on our homeland. Most of you anti- war people only have your son or brother that you don't wanna see wounded or killed, i know that is tough, but many more will die if we don't end it now. "If we don't end war, war will end us" - sorry frogot who it was by. It was the same thing when we dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, we knew if we had to send marined or troops in, there would be millions of american casualties... so we droped the A-Bomb killed many but saved more in the long run. Please email me with your opinions..

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M.R.Chase, Franklin, North Carolina — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:48:56 GMT

What angers me most is not that we are there at the moment but how our soldiers have become the forgotten pawns in this political fiasco. House, Senate, and the President are going round and round over war funding and while it is being denied and voted against so these poloticians can gain relection on a popular platform (full withdrawal)it is the soldier who must potrol without proper armor on his Hummer who will pay the price with the detonation of the next IED. If we are going to send then there then by God give them every chance possible to survive and money be damned.

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Emerson, Houston,Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:49:03 GMT

Has anyone been able to explain exactly what the benefit of us being there is? We aren't there to govern them and we so far aren't doing a good job of protecting them because we really don't know the visual difference between Sunnis and Shiites. It seems a shame that our troops are given the responsibility of policing another country and trying to stop the invasion of an invisible enemy. It is not like we are fighting another nation with troops and obvious soliders so why are we TRULY playing this game of war? If we the American people don't know what our motivation is in Iraq by now..........we really need to educate ourselves further............this isn't a war or a rebuilding of a nation

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Nancy, Jamestown, Tennessee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:50:05 GMT

Saddam did not destroy whole villages, he gassed one village in the 80's with gas the US sold him. I know you neocon apologists don't remember that Reagan supported Iraq against Iran back then, and when that village was gassed, Reagan initially blamed it on Iran until the Dems in congress forced him to admit that it was his buddy saddam that had done it with our wmd. We are also the ones who created bin laden, now of al queda, formerly known as the mujahadin in afghanistan. We armed and trained the mujahadin to fight the russians in afghanistan and they won and russia pulled back, then they turned on us. America is the greatest country in the world bar none, but it's government and some of it's people are the most ignorant savants that ever occupied the earth, and it is for this reason we suffer today. You reap what you sow, and we have sown nothing but death and destruction in Iraq with our troops caught in the middle. Say what you want about saddam, but he kept that country under control. There are HUNDREDS of brutal dictatorships in this world(ie, darfur, sudan, etc...), but we do not invade their countries and free their people, why?, because there is nothing in it for our government. For all of you who voted for bush, this falls on your head, and lying, denying, and sticking too it is not going to help you any longer...

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slacker Musk. MI. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:52:48 GMT

Well Mary. Saddam may have given his WMD's to Syria, But if you know that for a fact, why doesn't our govt? We had a pretty watchfull eye on that part of the country, and you're saying that Saddam just pulled a fast one... The ol' slight of hand right under our nose? .. I don't give him that much credit... And I can't credit your thinking if you are to blindly believe that George W was really after WMD's, and later wanted to liberate Iraq. George W's real intent looked more like a bully that wanted things all his way... Sure Saddam killed his own people. But now they're all killing eachother... we should give them room to fight eachother, and when there are less of them to manage, go back in and finish the job...

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Mike West Palm, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:56:34 GMT

God bless you Lorri Miguel, my son is home right now but for how long I don't know and you are so right.

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Dave, Mt. Hood, Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:57:14 GMT

People, it's not about Bush or anyone else... This is The People of that region's thought process for 1400 years plus, that has led them where they are. They have been supporting a negative view of their own Muslim religion that is similar to any other hate group in the world. Most have a belief that All others outside of their sect in their religion (add your own negative thought here) should NOT have a place here on earth. Unfortunately the military or the U.S. is not in the business of mind control or life-style changing.This is a far greater problem than we can deal with under the current restrictions, (either moral or governmental). Get the media out of Iraq and let the military root these negative thinkers out of existence for the worlds sake. We all deserve to be here free of brutality and intimidation by those who tend to be on the harmful, non-peaceful side . If you are violent toward your brother or sister... then you should be escorted to Hell or beyond.

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A Barret, Vancouver, BC Canada — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:59:23 GMT

The truth is the war on Iraq was revenge by the US and a plan to control the oil. Revenge has been achieved. I do not think that the US will ever control Iraq, even if you think that is possible to destroy the country by fulminating civil war. I feel sorry for the Iraqi's who are just trying to live their lives, especially the children. It would be a lot more humane to just kill them all and populate the country with Americans rather than this slow and often violent death.

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Good Samarithan - MD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:59:59 GMT

Let us think for a moment. 9/11-WHERE IS BIN LADEN? The master planner who caused all these killing in New York. He should have been our priority to CATCH HIM for explanation WHY 9/11.
OUR PRESIDENT lied using fear tactis of WMD that never existed, only to tell the truth theres no WMD after his 2nd TERM re-election.
We have serious unemployment, JOB exporting to INDIA and other places, HEALTH CARE ISSUE, and many more domestic issues here in USA since President BUSH to office with supplus from President Clinton; Now 6years after BILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT, due to war that should not have been. See what is going on in Britain, Blair lost re-election because he followed our persident to IRAQ. Please let us take care of our home before trying to take care of other.

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k ledford — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:00:26 GMT

I think we should pull out an dlet them kill each other. There si nothing peaceful about Islam. The Koran says anyone who is not a muslim is considered to be an Infidel and worthy of death. INNOCENT? I dont think so.

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Ron, Ft Myers, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:00:27 GMT

Wow. As a former questioner of the war, I read these comments and note that the antiwar sentiments are emotional only. I am impressed with only one fact ... we never went 10 months without a major terrorist attack on a U.S. interest 1992-2001. There have been none since 2001. There must be some things we the populace do not know and something IS apparently going right.

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Larry Amsterdam & USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:00:32 GMT

How many did Saddam kill in the Iran- Iraq War? I don't know but I do know that both sides got a lot of their weapons from the USA. Google rumsfeld saddam photo and see what you get. The US knew Saddam once had WMDs because we gave them to him.

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Jon, Ann Arbor MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:02:42 GMT

Kash wrote:
----------------------------------------------------
The war of Iraq and all the casualties that followed is the result of only one man's arrogance(Pres. Filthy Bush) and his killing instinct against another arrogant and selfish man (Saddam). However, this is very unfortunate that we American have killed more people in the world and more bruttaly than any other nation on the face of earth. In terms of foreign policy, ours is actually inspired by one and only - Hitler - in a broader sense. America trully sucks when it comes to its foreign policy.
-----------------------------------------------------

Please don't post on message boards if you have no idea what you are talking about, you sound like a typical uneducated American- remember that people all around the world can read this.

While your description of Bush is wrong (You have no way of knowing ANYTHING about 'Dubya' Bush in life as you have seen only what his press managers allow you to see), you make outrageous claims about the United States and Hitler/the Nazi regime. Please go read a book or two before posting on any more message boards.

Some URLs to dispute your ridiculous claims about America and our 'mass genocides':

http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_01-22-2006/Dictators

http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/dictat.html

You can read a lot more on terrible dictators just by doing a simple web search on "worst dictators" or "terrible dictators".

Anyone who would put George Bush on this list is simply an idiot. Furthermore I didn't vote for Mr. "dubya" and I don't even like the man, but posting anonymously is no excuse for being childish and ignorant of reality.

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Margaret, Norwalk, CT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:02:52 GMT

Mary, it's true there are factions that want American blood, the question is, why? Because we interfere in their business, we stick our noses in where we are not wanted, and we attempt to tell them who their leaders should be and how they should run their countries. All of these so called terrorist leaders were out allies at one time, we shook hands with them and told them what a great job they were doing until we decided we wanted to "help" them run their countries. When they asked us to leave we chose not to do so, we stayed where we were not wanted and so the hatred grew and grew. To judge all of the Iraqi people by the few we watched on television burning our flag, etc. is to judge every other group we watch day after day on television protesting one thing or another. Be real, there are radical groups everywhere, that doesn't mean everyone feels the same way. Saddam may have been a horrible person who did horrible things but that was none of our business, there are many leaders throughout the world who are much worse than he was but we allow them to continue to oppress and torture their people because they have nothing we want. Dick Cheney was the catalyst for this war and he had his own selfish agenda - despite the opinions of many who had served in the military, and many who have studied the problems in the Middle East, who advised against invading Iraq, our president decided to go along with Cheney and was convinced that he would emerge as the worlds' saviour. Shame on everyone who supported sending our brave young men and women to their deaths, you have a sin to answer for. I often think of one of the first casualies, a young boy who lost his father, mother, brother, and both of his arms to one of our bombs, and a friend said to me "but look what we saved him from". Ask this youngster if he felt saved - before we arrived he was going to school and living a normal life. Iraq was a beautiful country with huge shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries, museums, etc. and the majority of it's citizens were living normal lives. They had doctors and hospitals pretty much the same as we have, I'm sure they're really happy we stormed in and took that all away. The people who had to fear Saddam were those who were against him and his regime, not the average citizen going about their business every day. Saddam kept order among the factions determined to kill one another but we took that away and gave them chaos instead. Our President was convinced by Cheney that he would be a hero in their eyes, they would throw flowers and kiss his feet - that didn't happen, instead we succeeded in creating more and more people who hate us. Will we be attacked here again in the United States - probably, because the number of appetites for American blood is growing every day.

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Eric, San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:04:51 GMT

Keith...your statement "imagine how disastrous a true majority getting what they want would be"? Consider what happens when a true majority didn't get what they wanted...twice! We have an administration doing whatever it wants...in violation of our constitution because they have absolute confidence that they cannot be stopped. We've got to stop applying double standards to these important issues. Majority rule is (was) a fact of live in the USA until this administration figured out how to come in through the back door.

Imagine what would be happening if we had not invaded Iraq and instead had sent 150000 combat to troops to Afghanistan along with Engineers and Support Staff (the correct response to 911). We'd have destoyed the Taliban and Al Qaeda, permanently, probably including catching or killing Osama and we'd have rebuilt cities, roads, schools, hospitals etc., etc.! Instead we're spending 100's of billions on W's demcoracy spreading missions.

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Charles, Colorado — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:07:17 GMT

We went over to Iraq with the best of intentions to help depose a threat to the people of Iraq and the world. We did that and then tried to help them set up a form of government to rule themselves, rebuild the things that were distroyed and protect them while they get on thier feet. The problem is that the Iraqis don't seem too eager to rule themselves. They haven't met any of the deadlines we set for them but we're stuck playing a game of "Who's got the guns". If we pull out now the bad guys have the most guns which will end up pointed back at us. We have to decide to stay until the good guys take control or pull back and gaurd our borders from the inevitable fire fight.

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martin bachleda, Palos Hills Il — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:08:30 GMT

OK this is why people get mad and do crazy stuff. The drugs the smoke and the everyday nonsense people get themselves into causes them to react so I think stay as cool as possible until this all blows over.

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Robert Henderson, Indianapolis,In — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:09:00 GMT

It's time to let the Iraqiis solve their own problems. Our Troops delivered them from a monster, Saddam! If they don't want freedom; We sure can't deliver It to them. Time to bring our troops home - send the Iraqiis the Big Mouth dumb butt Texan - His hot air will do great all that sand

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Karen Crowston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:11:38 GMT

Wesley, what do you mean "we didn't invade Iraq". Bush and Cheney have proclaimed from the beginning "we needed to pick a place to have this war because we don't want to fight it in the US". The majority of US Citizens went along with that thought. Does anyone even remember why we invaded Iraq? It was a stupid idea then and only the US Citizens and Iraqis have wised up. Bush and Cheney are living in a darker world than we can imagine.

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Catherine M., Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:11:58 GMT

It is the fundamentalists & fanatics of all flavors (Muslin, Christian, Catholic, etc.) who always want to kill and die for their religion. Bush, the Christian fundamentalist, is just as dangerous as any Muslim fanatic. They all believe that God has ordained them to kill in his name. As long as the rest of us tolerate extreme ideology in ANY religion, it will exist in ALL religions.

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walt las vegas nv — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:13:28 GMT

The great thing aout the Islamic bible or Koran is it teaches first too hate and than murder your neighbor.

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Brad — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:15:18 GMT

The only good Occupier is a dead Occupier, no matter if one is Russian, Nazi, Zionist or American.

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Raenne — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:15:51 GMT

Hmmm, all this talk of right and wrong and Evil America and innocent iraqis makes me wonder about the mental state of American adults. Someone fill me in here, I dont remember the part where WE strap explosives onto seven year old children and send them into buildings. I dont remember when WE took out whole villages/cities with the intent to destroy innocent civilians (or did we forget that one already?)But somehow we are horrible monsters, (whats that rosie? im a terrorist for serving my countrys military?)

This is to the loved ones we all agreed to leave behind if we had to, why do you continue to insist we had no choice in the matter? We werent forced into this, lured maybe, with the college benefits, but how is that anything except OUR choice? The men and women lost in this war knew this was a possibility, and they went anyway. They went for you, the ungrateful masses who demean our sacrifices with every word spoken of how our deaths were needless. You make me sick. How dare you make what we do something trivial and without cost! This is what we joined the MILITARY for! If we never wanted to do something worthwhile, there was always the girl scouts forever, where we could grow up to be overweight middleaged men and women who have nothing better to do than berate the president they elected, the methods people MUCH smarter than the majority of you use to do what they think is necessary or the people that die for this freedom you seem to be enjoying right now. You arent over there, how the HEll do you know whats good for the people we are helping? oh, thats right, you watched the morning news today while you enjoyed your breakfast. Take a big sniff. Where I am sitting, it smells like freedom and loyalty. YOU?

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Peter Murphy CORK IRELAND — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:16:06 GMT

I am not a fan of Pres Bush but I am a big fan of the American people.Naive though it may be I believe that the US invaded Iraq in the most part for the right reasons.For better or worse the US and its allies are in Iraq.The problem now is how to get out causing the least amount of loss of life.I fear that it is a no win situation-damned if you do damned if you dont.

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Cynthia Townley, Raleigh, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:16:22 GMT

A much better alternative would have been diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. The chaos and contuning alsault on humanity be it upon Iraqi people, or Americans fighting to stabilize civil strife in a region not ready or desiring democracy has diastrous consequences.

Those responsible for this policy, and there are about three (3), clearly do not grasp the history and needs of the middle east and have disdain for world-wide opinion as well as the ultimate cost to human life and suffering. The imposing of democratic reforms upon a people with no foundation to such beliefs and something upon which to build, is nothing more than way to bolster the original excuse for invading the country and save the political life and image of a few. Certainly NOT, the American public as a whole.

Honest and ethical people (or persons), no matter that they serve in high government positions or are regular civilians do not condone such self-serving and selfish thinking. Such thinking creates a less desirable need power over and money(oil)...a destructive policy persuit to any resolve.

Unfortunately, current choas and strife world-wide have undermined world peace and will continue to do so until diplomacy and government ethics replace war.

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Ricardo Samhan, Malta Europe — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:19:05 GMT

The US was never asked to invade and capture Saddam! Being the super power with the strogest army and weapons.....Couldnt your General program an attak and catch Saddam on his own? With so much inteligence available in the country of Liberty couldnt the people on power have study better the situation and made a program for the future of Iraq before sending your brothers and systers and your relatives to fight and kill other inocents and slaves of the lords of war and fundamentalists?
God is great and is the same for all of us! I am totally against this stupid war but its on the hands of your government to bring peace in the Middle East by letting in a President with Conscience and Faith in the heart, someone like Bill Clinton.I am sorry for mentioning politics in here but i only wanted to remind you and show that we do realize who represent the good people of the US abroad.

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Greg B, Fairfield, CT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:21:05 GMT

Western Civ. 101: Mohammed was seen by Muslims as the last prophet (Point of interest: While they did not take Jesus to be the messiah, they DID see Jesus as a prophet). When Mohammed died in the 6th century AD a permanent rift occurred in Islam. Shiite muslims were blood decendants of Mohammed and they believed that only decendants of Mohammed should be the sheppards of Islam. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believed that only the most learned, scholarly Muslims should be the caretakers of Islam. Sunni's and Shiites have been killing one another over this rift EVER SINCE FOR OVER 1,000 YEARS! These people killing one another is NOTHING NEW: We definitely made it worse, but we didn't cause it initially and we sure as heck can't stop it. I often wonder if what's going on isn't exactly what the current administration intended: i.e. go to Iraq, stir up a hornets nest that sparks a regional conflict and let Muslims kill one another over there instead of killing us over here...but, is Bush that smart???

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D, LA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:21:37 GMT

I am a soldier who has been to Kuwait and Iraq. I have seen a lot of good things that we are doing over there. No, I do not like the fact that our troops are getting killed and at any moment I could be sent back and possibly killed but if we pull out immediatley all at once we will have caused chaos. It is not Pres. Bush fault that all the Iraqi's are getting killed. That was happening before we got there. And yes Hussein killed hundreds of thousands not 300. He was justly punished. American troops are helping rebuild the economy in Iraq as well as schools, bridges, hospitals etc. Yes, it is religion against religion fighting against each other but it is not the religion that is causing the fight; actually, the people who honestly act in the religion are peaceful. It is the people who claim the religion that are fighting for their own greed or causes not the religion. There is a GOD and he is not the one who is causing this war. If the people would actually listen and do as GOD would like then they would be peaceful and not kill each other. It is the views of those who don't believe or that choose to not listen to GOD and listen to what the devil has to tell them that are causing all the pain amoung people. I wish all could live peacefully together but that is not happening and we must work to try to get there.

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AllanH, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:21:59 GMT

Our current dilemma in Iraq is the result of our government’s naiveté in getting rid of Saddam without thinking of the consequences or the logistics. Saddam’s legacy of over 20 years of governmental and cultural abuse has turned Iraq into a “culture of crime” (using “religious” and nationalist justifications) where the “good people” are either dead, emigrated, or in hiding. Our soldiers are caught in the cross-fire, and our oil dependency is paying for ALL sides of the conflict.
The only way to bring “peace” to Iraq is to disarm Iraq door-to-door and border-to-border. And we need to recognize our inability to provide sufficient arms or resources and that we have made a total muck of this war.
However, there is a “solution.”
After decades of fighting Iraq’s oil competition by Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have out-sourced their war with Iraq to the US. We need to also “out-source” our war and have China send in the 350,000 “Peace Keepers” to disarm the country door-to-door and border-to-border.
China is the ONLY country with the manpower, credibility, resources, technical skills to rebuild the country, and self-discipline to do it.
And they need the Iraqi oil even more than we do.

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ehaus, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:22:46 GMT

I am not ashamed to be an American. I am not ashamed of our efforts to help the people of Iraq. I am ashamed of people who call themselves Americans and feel they have to apologize for it. I am not ashamed of being Christian in my religious beliefs. I don't understand how using religious beliefs or lack there of as a basis for controlling,persecuting, or killing other people.
I do believe that inexpensive energy, food and water would solve much of our and the worlds problems. Do you really think we would be involved in Iraq, concerned with Saudi Arabia and Iran, on the same basis if not for energy interests.
Here's a simple solution. (not necessarily easy) Tax every gallon of gas an additional $1. Use that money only to subsidize hydrogen based fuel cell vehicles. This would jumpstart the infrastructure developement required to convert the world to clean energy. (the technology already exists) This would clean the environment, make our nation energy independent, and change the cost and tone of our foreign policy.
Are we to complain and be ashamed; or change the world?

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Gideon Windermere, Maryland — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:24:14 GMT

Many excellent points were made. Some good, some bad, and some horrifyingly simple minded. To those posters, I would suggest reading a book or magazine from time to time and not solely relying about Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Fox News, or Tony Snow for all of your facts (I use this term loosely). When discussing the War in Iraq, or any major event it is necessary to ask one important question...who are the benificiaries of this conflict? In the case of Iraq, undeniably it is the defense and oil industries. Many of whom are friends and business associates of the Bush administration, but the Democrats have had their hands in the pockets of defense and big oil as well. No question that those companies with ties to the White House are getting the lions share, but there is still plenty of corruption to go around. But, I digress. I think that we as American's need to prioritize and ask ourselves what would we rather buy? A victory in Iraq? Or things that actually benefit "We the people", rather than fulfilling some political point of view. So, I ask you the taxpayer, given the choice what would you rather buy? More munitions, MRE's, logistical support infrastructure, political bribes of Iraqi officials, etc, etc, etc. OR A new school for your children; better security for our borders, our ports, and our airports; fix the roads in your part of the country; cheaper health insurance/some insurance for thsoe without; more efficient power plants; cheaper gas; and the list goes on and on...so I ask you, my fellow citizens, which would you vote to spend you 10 hours a week of pay on, a useless War that benefits large corporations and the politicians they pay for, or a better life here at home for you and your family? Personally, I'd rather leave Iraq to the Iraqis and improve life here in America. You decide and vote accordingly.

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Ronin, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:24:32 GMT

I have read alot of your messages and I can see all of your points of view. I agree with most of them.
I think though most do not really get that Sadam was the best thing for that country, that is why he was left in power after the first War when he invaded Kuwait. Do you think the U.S. did not know that he had a village gassed a decade ago or that he killed alot of his own people. It was the fact that without Sadaam in power choas would hit Iraq just like it is now. He kept all these factions in line.
Yes France was right they said going to war with Iraq was wrong, our CIA said it was wrong, military advisers said it was wrong, but Bush lied and had his cabinet lie about the proof. Funny Clinton lied about his affair and they put him on trial, but Bush lied and started a 400 billion dollar, 5000 u.s. soldiers dead, 10,000 crippled and wounded war, not to mention how many civilians are dead and no one holds him up for a trial.
Personally I could careless about the middle east let them kill each other off for the sake of there religion. We should be more focused on our own country. Imagine what could have been done with 400 billion more schools, upgrading the old ones, universal health care ect, ect.
Our brave soldiers are fighting a war they can never win, because to win they would have to be allowed to start killing without restraint just like the insurgence, and militias do, instead our soldiers have to try and use restraint and hand hold civies. As for terrorist, Saddam was quoted saying he does not support terrorist because they are religous fanatics and they cannot be trusted or controlled. We should have sent all our troops to Afgan and the surrounding countries that actually support terrorist, instead of the small millitary force we have there now. Hell Sadi Arabia supports terrorist they have even had telathons which where shown on there TV stations to support suicide bombers families.
I am far from stupid and I know most of you are also, we all agree its about the oil and the money. Where do you think all those billions went to? THe troops? hell no most of that money has gone to American companies to go over and rebuild Iraq..which we destroyed when we invaded. Should have just given the money to the country and have Iraqies rebuild Iraq not Americans. A friend of mine was a marine and he got back 6 months ago. He told me he was body guarding convoys now and then of dump truck moving dirt and supplies ect. He told me he was talking to some of the American drivers and they were making about $4,000.00 per week. Thats what he made in a month. Imagine then how much other trades where bringing in.
If we stay in Iraq nothing will change people will still die, same as if we leave. THe die has been cast. Bush should be put on trial along with his cronies, the world would probably look better on us Americans.

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Just plain tired and bored — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:24:32 GMT

I agree with 'DownwithIraq' except we need to nuke Vatican City, Mecca and Jerusalem too. I'm tired of all these old and dusty religions. Let's find something new and shiny to worship and then kill each other about. Let's start burning reality tv stars at the stake, stoning corrupt ceo's, beheading politicians, racking cable tv and cell phone exec's and cut the tongues out of all talk radio people. Something useful....

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Ray S. Rochester Ny — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:25:15 GMT

I hate to say it but the Pakistanis are showing all the world how to deal with terror.Terror central is in the Middle East,that is where the war should be fought!Once a mosque becomes a weapons depot,which they all are,they are to be classified combatants!Pakistan gets it why dont we?Stop blaming Bush ,the whole gang in Washington was in on it,besides fight the war over there not in the USA!Islamo/fascism is killing Iraqi not America.

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An American — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:25:44 GMT

Stop blamming it on the oil... we arn't worried about the oil. With the Civil War gonig on over there they need money, how? by selling oil... if they don't they don't have money to fight a war and no one gives a damn. Even if they did temporly cut off our oil, so be it, we have reserves in the United States and other countrys

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AllanH, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:26:51 GMT

Our current dilemma in Iraq is the result of our government’s naiveté in getting rid of Saddam without thinking of the consequences or the logistics. Saddam’s legacy of over 20 years of governmental and cultural abuse has turned Iraq into a “culture of crime” (using “religious” and nationalist justifications) where the “good people” are either dead, emigrated, or in hiding. Our soldiers are caught in the cross-fire, and our oil dependency is paying for ALL sides of the conflict.

The only way to bring “peace” to Iraq is to disarm Iraq door-to-door and border-to-border. And we need to recognize our inability to provide sufficient arms or resources and that we have made a total muck of this war.

However, there is a “solution.”

After decades of fighting Iraq’s oil competition by Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have out-sourced their war with Iraq to the US. We need to also “out-source” our war and have China send in the 350,000 “Peace Keepers” to disarm the country door-to-door and border-to-border.

China is the ONLY country with the manpower, credibility, resources, technical skills to rebuild the country, and self-discipline to do it.

And they need the Iraqi oil even more than we do.

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Jason, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:27:31 GMT

The funny thing I see about all the liberal crap being spoken in most of these blogs is that it truly gives the islamic fantatics, terrorists, etc...etc... a scapegoat. "It's not my fault I blowup, shoot, and torture men, women, and children". "It is America's fault"

To me we should be truly appalled by two things in this whole mess..... The brutal killing and torture of innocents by Islamic terrorists, and the pure hate,racism taught in Muslim society against nonmuslims......scratch that, ANYONE!!!

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A. Mayer — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:28:32 GMT

Wake up people we brought this civil war on these people with our arrogance and need for oil. This is what we reduced these people too.
Richard, panama City Beach,Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:17 PM)

Um if we went in for oil then why am I still paying 3.25 a gallon today. When this war started I think I was paying about 1.60 a gallon.

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Maj Kevin, Joplin, MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:31:19 GMT

Why are people worried about the Iraqi dead and injuried so much? Their are plenty of military people in our own country we should take care of. If you people are so worried about the Muslim extemists then wrap a towel around your head and move over there. I spent 6 months in some armpit region in Afghanistan and very proud of going there and all the good work that we did. (Not that the media would report it though.) You people that complain so much need to take a trip outside the U.S. and get a reality check on life other than what you see on tv and read in the tabloids. Another thing is why are all the womens organizations for womens-rights so quiet about the terrible treatment women receive in Muslim countries.
I have not heard any group complain. If the Muslim extemists continue to grow, Paris Hilton may not look to sexy wearing a Burka. Wake-up people.

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bill ny ny — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:31:32 GMT

Bush is doing what needs doing; fight them their,or here; If here I hope all you anti war protesters are first in line; YA/////////////

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abdullahi dogonyaro — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:32:19 GMT

Im just advising us to get out iraq so that the iraqis can a new independence.

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Douglas Leck — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:33:20 GMT

When will you look beyond the borders of your own media's reach. Every one of you is blood guilty. Your government is corrupt in every facet of its operation, yet you the voters do nothing, hundreds of thousands have died, yet still you at best only talk about it. No weapons of Mass Destruction. No justification for invasion. How do you differ from the bullies of past decades. You hide behind your pseudo morality. You should be ashamed. Every time an Iraqi dies, every time an American soldier dies, young boys caught up in the horror of a war that they cannot win. Life is precious, too precious to play political games with. There is no justification for Americas actions. None. Thank you Mark from Boston, you give me hope.

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YellowRose, Huntsville, AL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:34:40 GMT

I AGREE with DOWN WITH IRAQ!!! AND I want ALL to be deported BACK to where they came from. Get them OUT of America; keep the "sleeping cells" dead so no more attacks may come to our people! BTW, Jim McKee, learn to spell!

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Paul, Minnetonka, MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:35:28 GMT

With apologies to a few of you, did the majority of you pass grammer school? Your opinions would be much more credible if you used proper punctuation and spelling!

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Corrine, Honey Brook, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:37:41 GMT

What the hell is this; a contest to see who is the biggest American, my country right or wrong? Wake the hell up and read something other than state-sponsored news. Ever hear of the Guatamalan death squads? Do you remember at the beginning of this "liberation" when thousands of Iraqi police uniforms "disappeared"? If you think for one minute that our government has nothing to do with all these bodies being found, then let me inform you that the holy grail resides in my ass. Insurgents? Try people defending their homes from an INVASION just like all you gun-toting Nascar watching Faux News misinformed sheep would do were situations reversed. Any of you easily led spoiled children happen to notice that suddenly there is a new "terror" alert (i.e. someone has a "gut feeling")today? Gee, funny how they up the alert every time this administration is up to more lies and cover-ups. No accountability whatsoever. Wake up. The empire is falling and Bush can't even play a fiddle. Your rights are being stripped away and you all just sit back and take it and parrot the white house with "we have to fight them there so we don't have to fight them here" nonsense. Keep on drinking your kool-aid, sheep.

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Concerned — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:39:56 GMT

The reflections here are certainly indicative of soul searching Americans are engaged in. This is what makes America great. We Americans are waking up to the fact that we were lied to, still being lied to and stubborn leadership will tell lies in the future as well. Whenever we take our destiny in our own hands through our representative system; things go right. That is what is needed - our leadership needs to know that we will not allow America to become an imperialist regime. Our beginnings anti-imperialist; so how can we violate the very foundation this nation was built.
Regarding Iraq, we need to think with cool heads. Remember that we went in with 'shock and awe'. Here is the greatest nation on earth, a sole surviving superpower, bombed our way into this ancient land to rid of a dictator who was on our payroll in the 70's and 80's (those who are bitter about the war are invited to read our own history). We provided him with chemical and biological weapons to kill and maime the Iranians whom Saddam attacked and then we produced a list of those weapons in the UN telling the world that we know he has weapons and we have a list of those weapons. Now we expect Iraqis to open their arms and hearts after they are in 'shock' and in 'awe'. Their infrastructure (water, power, bridges, etc.) lay in ruins because all that was considered strategic targets. Now we want them to have a normal life. What is happenning is that many of them who have nothing to loose have decided to ut up the resistance to ensure that we don't dig our feet in for good.
I don't know the solution. But it is a quagmire. If we get out we render the country uncontrollable (don't believe for a second when Bush says 'what Al-Qaeda will think about it', we need to do what is right by our nation, our people and our soldiers). If we stay the violence continues. If the solution was easy, I believe we would find our way out.
Let us do the right thing now. Let us do the right thing in the future. We will remain a great nation that way.
May God guide our nation, our leaders and our people to do the right thing for humanity. Ameen.

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corrine, honey brook, pa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:40:00 GMT

Oh and J. Blackhurst? Your precious government helped Saddam exterminate thousands of his own people. But that was back when he was behaving like a good puppet should. This country loves ruthless dictators so long as they are doing what WE want. Go polish your gun, would you?

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SPC Jason Burrows, Ft. Bragg, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:41:48 GMT

There are multiple conflicting opinions being shown here in response to the media's view on innocent people being killed in Iraq.
There is always "collateral damage" involved in war. As many have stated here the Iraqi's should stop killing eachother. Yes, there are many, many situations where Shiites and Sunnis are murdering eachother, but it seems like many people blame the U.S. for civilian deaths. However it doesnt seem to register for some that a large portion of these innocent deaths are caused by extremists on either side detonating vehicles packed with explosives in areas with high civilian density such as markets.
Iraqi police are civilians too - any non-military personell are CIVILIAN. Yes a portion of the death toll is due to U.S. military action, however lines blur when you are on the streets in Iraq. Terrorists and militant extremists can blen in with innocent bystanders and make it extremely hard to differentiate between the two. This is a non-convention war being waged and as such civilian casualties are going to be higher than in conventional war where both sides have distinct uniforms to set them apart from the local population. Also insurgents use of houses in civilian areas leaves us little choice about conducting operations around innocent bystanders.
Did we need to invade Iraq?? No.. plain and simple. Saddam may or may not have been committing atrocities against the people of Iraq but if they had such a problemn with him they would have taken care of him themselves. Its just another case of the U.S. meddling in other countries affairs. And the people who say we're not doing enough to help them out consider the following - We seem to easily sit by while other countries kill eachother and not care at all about their well being. People only feel responsible to help the Iraqis because the U.S. is conducting operations over there and the media shows all the bad things happening in Iraq. If everything was all happy-go-lucky over there no one would care about sending them relief, not to mention your tax dollars are what gets them that relief. Less relief (in a perfect world) equates to lower taxes.
As far as unmarked graves or numbered graves, it shouldnt even be an issue - If they cared enough to label the headstones or differentiate between the dead they would make a concious effort to do so. Have they? Apparently not.
Also the innocents are not entirely innocent (with the exclusion of young children) Also everyone over there knows who the terrorists are in their community, but their instinct of self-preservation keeps them from informing Coalition forces due to fear of violent retaliation directed at their familys by the insurgents in the area. I suspect the reader would do the same to save their family from harm.
All in all its a piss poor situation and theirs little we can do to correct it without the complete cooperation of the Iraqi people as a whole, which I HIGHLY doubt we will ever get.

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sick of it — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:44:41 GMT

Help? Did the Iraqis ask for your help? USA invaded Iraq under the name of "liberation". Doesn't matter how you want to sugar coat it; it is still an invasion. Let people live their live, maybe not to your standard, but it is their life.

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kumar.Chambersburg.pa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:44:57 GMT

I think Bush and Cheny should live out side Green zone in Baghdad for one week without and bodyguards in cognito and see the horrible situation they have created.Rummey can join them if is a true patriot.

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T.K., Atlanta — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:47:21 GMT

Wake up! The US Government is not doing anything to help our soldiers in Iraq nor those who have returned. So they're certainly not doing anything for Iraqi victims. This war was/is a disaster for Iraq, and for the US. Religious wars have gone on for centuries. The US can't solve any of them. The decision to declare war on Iraq will impact the US and its citizens for decades, if not centuries.

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Francois Mitterand, Paris, France — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:51:18 GMT

US soldiers are just peacekeepers now. The war is over (and has been over since the capture of Saddam). It is a peacekeeping duty now. Why can't we realize this? It annoys me that it's still called the "Iraq War".

If this is still a war, who is the war against? Who are we fighting? Not the Iraqi people. Not the Iraqi army. Not the Iraqi government. Not the Iraqi leader. If you say sectarian terrorists, then this is now an extension of the War on Terror. Should we quit this extension of the War on Terror? I think not. If we do, then we are saying "Iraqi victims of terror are not as important as American/European victims of terror". Terror victims are terror victims, regardless of nationality.

It's the terrorists killing innocents; they aren't targeting US soldiers as much as they are targeting innocents. Oh wait, I guess the terrorists are bombing markets, killing hundreds, because they think US soldiers are shopping there?

Fine, there were no WMDs (Saddam obviously got rid of them, but that's a different discussion). But now, a tyrant is dead and a democracy is forming. Why is there so much violence? Lay blame on the true source: Islam, a cult that allows murder to protect Islam, allows murder-suicide to gain martyrdom, even Muhammad directed murders, and killed people with his own hands (according to Muslim historians). What did Jesus do? Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

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Eve, LA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:53:04 GMT

I hate Bush. he destroys more than he's built. The only thing he has succeeded in building is an image of a shameful man who cant lead. what the heck were we thinking anyways, making Bush president??!!!

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Mike, Indianapolis, Indiana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:55:56 GMT

Why is everyone calling this a war? We win wars, remember WWII. Vietnam wasn’t a war and nether is Iraq. Both were like police actions. In a true war, civilians or soldiers makes no difference, keep fighting/bombing until one surrenders. We went in, got Iraq pregnant now paying for policing with our troops lives. I know the troops want to finish this thing, same during Vietnam but it can’t be finished as a police action. We should not have even gone into Iraq with a Vietnam attitude.

God bless our Troops!

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Patrick , West Palm Beach, Florida — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:57:11 GMT

So many of our soldiers are returning from Iraq suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that one can only imagine how many innocent civillians, especially Iraqi children, have been traumatized by this war and will suffer from this mental disorder for the rest of their lives! The casualties of this war are so far-reaching!!! How does Mr. Bush sleep at night??

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Amanda, Pinellas Park Florida — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:03:11 GMT

I think that we need to focus more on whats going on in the united states then sending more troops to Iraq. When will be have a president that will help homeless people and their families. Not all homeless are alcoholics and drug addicts that spent their life saving on boos and drugs. Personally i think that this war will never end because the people of iraq have been killing eachother for years. My heart goes out to the people of iraq because i come from a place that ethnic/religious conflic forced me and my family to flee to the United States. And i was lucky. I love the united states and my fiance is in the Marine Corp. if you think about it if we dont have our troops in iraq , the iraq's might be spreading terrorism on american soil. what will be say then? either way you look at it innocent lives will be taken because of this war. I dont agree with Bush he's been the worst president in history. in my eyes. I think that theres more to what happened before 9/11 then the government wants us to know. This was not our war at the begining we got in the way of a ethnic war and we're paying for it now.

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Darla, Sumner, IL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:03:19 GMT

These wars between these people have been going on for thousands of years. Our government had no right to get involved. They were not the ones that started 911, it was our current administration that orgistrated it to keep their hold on the american people.

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Dina, Fort Wayne, IN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:05:39 GMT

As a military mom, I say we are way overdue in bringing our military HOME! Iraqis dont want us there, they are not doing their part to stand on thier own and help us help them! What more can we do? We have done enough and we have suffered losses that are ridiculous for a world power such as the U.S. Absolutely ridiculous, but you can thank our idiot leaders. All I can say, is it is time for a change and if Americans want to keep putting our head in the sand, then you can look in the mirror when you want to pass blame!

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Nicole Milne, San Diego, CA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:06:00 GMT

We are creating terrorists of the children of these nations. They may be small toddlers now, but any child who grows up in the midst of fear, violence and under the oppressive rule of what extreme political sects tell them is evil (sound familiar, like Bush?) will one day come to avenge their nation, just as our American boys are doing over there in Iraq right now after 9/11. Not many realize the far reaching social, poloitical and economic ramifications of this unjust war. We're in a lot of trouble.

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Albert Ramirez, Durham, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:06:05 GMT

I wish George Bush could see this video and fully understand the hell he has created in that country. How naive are so many Americans that think it's the iraquis fault they are killing each other. The US invasion has altered the balance of power in the region and thus, fueled the conflict. If they wanted to rid the world of dictators and free their peoples, they could have begun with Saudi Arabia.

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werd, Anchorage — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:10:08 GMT

Something very basically out of line when a so-called ''religion-of-peace'' demonstrates an excess and lust for killing above more normal ''lusts'' for a beer, sex, mucis, chocolate. Ragheads need these more than frikkin sick islam, the millennia-of death religion..that it is.

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Sean, Torrington CT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:10:12 GMT

The US invaded Iraq, over-threw the existing government, destroyed the infrastructure and did jack.

No real plans were made post-invasion, probably because Bush and Company KNEW this kind of violence would happen. Actually, they DID KNOW because numerous experts on the region predicted nearly all of the events that have transpired in Iraq.

This whole mess is OUR FAULT, not the Iraqis who never asked for this.

I blame the cowards and rascists who were gullible and hate-filled enough to believe the lies about Iraq being affiliated with Al-Quieda and being a real threat to the USA.

You know who you are, you voted Bush in 2004. It's your fault for believing a stutering jerk like Bush.

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Harry F. Dunn Dearborn Heights, Michigan — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:11:34 GMT

I'm a little confused. Didn't Sadamn refuse to comply with all the resolutions that the United Nations set forth and didn't the United Nations approve the use of force against Sadamn and arent there other countries that are over there helping out besides the United States? If the idiot would have complied with the resolutions, then we would not have had an excuse to go over there so he sort of brought this on himself. He was just to arrogant and thought he was so powerful that he could do anything that he wanted to without regard to the rest of the world. He learned his lesson and I believe that the idiot in Iran is headed for the same fate if he continues along the path he is taking. What a stupid statement to make when he said to the rest of the world that Isreal should be wiped off the face of the earth. I believe that he is sealing his own fate by making statements like that. Time will tell.

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werd, Anchorage — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:12:44 GMT

Something very basically out of line when a so-called ''religion-of-peace'' demonstrates an excess and lust for inter-human killing above more normal ''lusts'' for a beer, sex, music, discos, Cinema, opera..chocolate. Ragheads need these more than frikkin sick islam and poxy mosques,... the millennia-of -death ''religion''..that it is.

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The Admiral — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:13:01 GMT

Wesley, we did invade them. And, we occupied them to boot. You are correct in that we need to leave.

Whats sad to a great many people I've spoken with is that the Iraqis probaly think all American are like the IDIOTS who took us into this mess. Many Americans are not war mongers, or capitalists bent on destroying everything they touch. Many of us know the dangers we face, we just see it differently that the Honzas and the Down with Iraq from above.

P.S. Honza, 650,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed(UN estimstes) and millions have left completely since we invaded,so your 600,000 from the last regeim bit has been trumped.

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Jorge Garcia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:14:25 GMT

People kill each other on the Streets of America; how easy we forget about problems in our inner city. More people have died in the hands of Americans killing Americans than the casualties of our Soldiers. I feel Americans should used our resources to build better subways systems and take care of Americans by education all our citizens.

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Charles — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:15:41 GMT

As an Iraq war veteran, I see the situation in very simple terms. According to the Geneva Conventions, we are the occupying force in Iraq and therefore are legally bound to provide security to the civilian population.
The war, so far, has been badly mismanaged. The current number of US forces is not adequate. In the military, we say that amateurs think of strategy while professionals think of logistics. How could anyone expect our current troop levels in Iraq to be adequate? Remember the liberation of Kuwait? We sent 500,000 troops to free Kuwait. We only have 160,000 troops currently in Iraq, and that's with the surge. It's simply not enough.
The Bush administration used the WMD scare as a tool to justify this war and in doing so, violated a fundamental rule of warfare. They lied and tried to "sell" this war to the American people. They should have realized that you should never launch a war unless your population has a WILL to fight that war. The American people do not have the will to fight this war...sad, disappointing, embarassing, but true.
Consequences of failure in Iraq would be devestating to America and the world. If we pull out, the world will blame us for the unimaginable bloodshed that a civil war would cause. The Sunni governments in the Middle East would feel threatened by the rise of Shiite influence throughout the region. As a result, the Sunni governments would feel compelled to join the fight against Iranian Shiite influence. The Middle East would explode into a regional war. That would effect the global economy and cause unforeseen ripple affects throughout the world. World war can start that way.
Leaving Iraq would also hand a major victory to Al Queda and Iran. That's not exxactly the message we want to be sending to them. They would become emboldened and their recruitment would sky rocket.
The fact is, America is in the fight of a life time. We were sucked into this conflict for all the wrong reasons but that no longer matters. Now we're in it and we have to win. We have to send to appropriate force so that we meet our obligations. Our all volunteer military is being tested for the first time in a sustained war. Our recruitment standards have dropped in order to meet monthly quota requirements. The quality of our force is slowly dropping as a result.

The truth is we need a draft. We must send a larger force to overwhelm our enemies. We will never defeat the insurgency unless we can win over the trust of the local popluation. We can't do that unless we provide security on the streets. The Iraqi population is terrified to leave their homes. The unemployment rate is at 60%. Families are starving and desperate. Desperate people do desperate things, like working for the insurgents, not out of loyalty to their cause but out of loyalty to their families who need food to eat.

It's no longer adequate to support the troops with a yellow sticker on your car. Our troops need physical backup not only moral support. It's time America show its resolve to do the right thing. I encourage all Americans to step forward and find a way to serve. I have served 10 years in the military and have loved every minute of it...so will you. Be a force for possitive change, not just complaining.

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Bob Schaefer, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:16:19 GMT

These posts are amazing. I am amazed at the lack of maturity here. I am embarrassed that people from other countries have better spelling and grammar than apparently native-born Americans.

But what actually mesmerizes me (I can't stop reading, for each post tops the last one) is the outlandish statements made here that are FILLED with total disregard for human life (Saddam's evil), disregard for factual accuracy (the identical accusation leveled at the Commander in Chief and his advisors), and DEVOID of common sense. Whatever the solution is, it is clearly NOT to "A-bomb" the Iraqis, nor to abandon the vast majority to minority extremists (many simply foriegn anarchists). I am sympathetic to those yearning for peace, but the assertion that world conflict and injustice is prompted by U.S. action is absurd.

You need to follow world events, actually become educated in world culture and politics, and then your opinions will matter.

I am deeply disturbed that most of you are allowed to vote, if your posts are any indication of the depth of your knowledge and opinion.

If we abandon Iraq now, there will be monumental repercussions around the world. We must stabilize Iraq. We did not go to Iraq to take over their oil industry. But if the Middle East falls apart, you have no idea what starving the world for oil will do to cause armed conflict. And you have no idea what it will do to your personal lifestyle. Your cars, iPods, cell phones, vinyl sided houses, appliances, boats, shoes, PC's, TV's, farm produce, medicine, packaged food, electricity, fuel for transportation, etc., etc., will no longer be available . The Dark Ages will look like child's play.

Grow up, and exhibit your maturity first when you communicate to others.

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bil...new york — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:16:36 GMT

francois bechard of paris france says it all for when one wonders about the french and their mindset....how can one add to what he said....i am going to print it and when asked to describe the french attitude on anything....voila!

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JC, Plantation, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:16:50 GMT

Its odd to hear people say the president lied with the WMD thing. Saddam was violating numerous U.N. laws and was defiantly breaking numerous U.N. laws. Now ask yourself this: If the U.N. kept telling Hussein to stop with the WMD's but never really encorced what they were saying and they kept stopping the US from going in and doing something about it, for many months you surely can agree that would give any criminal plenty of time to hide the evidence. Any criminal could get away with something if he was given several months warning that the law was coming to get them. Besides take away the WMD so called lie and you still have numerous U.N. violations that we went in for. Not just the WMD as some people here focus on. We were going in regardless. I seem to remember people back during the Clinton administration wiling because we would not help in Bosnia where gross Genocide was happening. I suggest people stop using their hatred for our president as their ammo and start looking at facts.

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Riese R. Clarkston WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:16:57 GMT

My concerns are that America turns in to a nationalistic state much like Germany in 1940. Certainly, the show of power and the fear of the awsome military force makes the world tremble. The Iraq project is an other extension of this nationalismn. Hitler claimed he had the mandate from the people to do the right thing. Simelar to the USA president who also claimed that he has the mandate to govern with a powerful political party behind him. The name of the party is not the NSDAP but is the NARP that seem to sanctify his decisions. But than, anything is the right thing to do in the name of nationalismn. People approvingly give their vote in 2004. Soon we have to watch what we say, Homland Security may hear something and make as disapear much like the GESTAPO did in Hitlers time. Maybe the Jewish hatred is transferd to illegal and legal imigrants. We already have the vigilantes patrolling the borders.

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SD, VB, VA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:17:07 GMT

Those who have not been in the gulf region and seen how life and coruption have decimated whole areas are terribly misinformed. Do I like that fellow service men & women are getting injured and killed...no. Do I understand that if we don't do something now we will have to do it later...yes. Some people on this blog and in the U.S. and other countries really don't understand the determination of extremists. Read this article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/05/25/wirq25.xml
What kind of people think like this? Would you, could you do something like this to make your position? Under UN sanctions after the first gulf war (started by Saddam) there were several rules regarding non-wmd weapons and military equipment that Saddam was not allowed to possess but he broke virtually every stipulation. Now you might say, I live too far away to be worried about some crazy dictator lobbing a missile my way, hey that's how the U.S. thought about Hitler. Folks, that is why we have police here...there are rules (laws) that we must obey and for those who do not they are held accountable. Would you report a known felon who you saw carrying a gun? Saddam was that known felon. Most of us have seen on tv where the Iraqi money was spent when 90% of the population is living in poverty and poor health conditions. We didn't go in there because we wanted to be the bully, we went in there because we would rather settle it there than deal with what the UK is dealing with now. It is well known that Saddam paid the families of suicide bombers $10,000.00 each after their loved ones blew themselves up in the middle of a Tel-Aviv market or on a crowded bus, killing man, woman, and child alike. These poor folks are desparate and they will listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone (kinda like Hitler did) and says "Somebodies at fault for your misery and since we like having most of the money and get to make all the rules we aren't going to take the blame...it's those infidels the Americans". Same game just different game plan than Hitler.

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Annie Oak, Greeneville TN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:17:24 GMT

Just think what 160,000 US Troops, brought stateside, could do to secure our own USA borders, ports, repair the infrastructure and build a really good fence. I am grieved by how we are squandering our blood and treasure on something TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) warned against decades ago. Meanwhile, this wrong-headed administration leaves us wide open to assault via our borders, our uninspected imports, our crumbling infrastructure, and the economic ruin begotten by our "Free" rather than "Fair" trade policies. This is an assault on 300 million US Citizens for the benefit of ~3,000 to (??)thousand conscienceless fat cats here and abroad.

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jd colorado springs co — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:17:47 GMT

who really cares, some people pretend they do. only to advance thier own agenda that is.

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Ray, PA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:17:56 GMT

"When one sees a headline "Bush: ‘Military people’ will decide troop levels. President refuses to succumb to call for pullout from politicians, citizens," it's no wonder there are so many innocents dying. The military did not elect this man, the citizens did! People have killed one another since the dawn of time. But W's stubborness results in more every day. " - Lee, Texas.

The Citizens elected him to do his job for the term of office, to use his insight and will to determine the best course, any president who changed opinion as fast or with as much forethought as the american people do would accomplish nothing.

At least he managed to stay the course which he ran on, if you look back to the congress and senate pre-election and post-election i think you'll find far more then is good of them have changed their stances once in office, either because of changing polls or because they never intended to continue to begin with, and the congress has lower aproval ratings then the president.

Had the president called all the troops back as soon as opinion started to sway against it would iraq be any better off? i think it would far more likely to be worse, and no matter how regretable the cost now is, if we leave without ensuring that the iraqis can take care of themselves the cost in the future will be far higher.

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brad s spokane wash — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:18:01 GMT

when we went in and didn't find the wmd's
we should have gone back home.this mess will
i'm afarid never be done with.i'm ex 82nd airborne
and i think about our boy's over there all the time
as we all should.we're fighting a people that think their god is ok with this,how can you win that ?

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Jimmy Towelheadhater, Rednecksville, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:21:24 GMT

I say, give the muslim extremists what they want. We move out, give them a palestine of their own, move the jews out, and convert to islam. Then, if even one more car bomb goes off anywhere, We vaporize the entire middle east. I think thats fair.

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T. L. Sexton — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:22:22 GMT

I have read most of the postings on this weblog and like everyone else there are some points I agree with and some I do not. The idea that we went to war to find WMD or to remove Sadam from power are as good as any I guess. Most of us go about our daily lives working, paying bills, playing Texas Holdem ect...seldom pausing to reflect upon where we are in the world and how we got here. Does anyone give any thought as to how fortunate we are to live in a country that is as great as The United States? More than Two Hundred years ago a group of people stood strong in the face of opression and established the greatest country in the history of the world. What we are fighting now isn't Radical Islam, or Terrorism. We are ultimately fighting IGNORANCE. It's ignorance and illiteracy that have historically allowed those that are educated and in power to tell the uneducated population how to live and what to do. It doesn't matter if its Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism. Any relegion that seeks to establish a system of political control and subjugate its people in addition to addressing their spirital well-being will be extremely difficult to overcome. The only way is to drag their ignorant ass's out of the dark ages and into the modern world, kicking and screaming if necessary. We may not achieve victory in Iraq but if the seed of liberty can be planted there, from it may sprout a beacon of freedom which could spread to the entire region. I have no doubt that we have a responsibility to humanity, to bear the burden of the cost of freedom no matter how long or how high the sacrifice. Ultimately, if we do nothing, our chickens will come home to roost. Just look at Great Britain.

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Beth — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:22:37 GMT

We are our own enemy, the US can win this war by making peace with itself and in turn going out into the rest of the world In Peace. Peace means peace. Peacekeepers who carry weapons, does that make sense? Think for yourself. If I came into your house with a gun and called myself a peacekeeper, would you see me that way? Even if I shot your neighbor who is a pain in the ass and you didn't like him much, would that create peace for you? Think! Wake up United States Citizen.

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John, Frederick, MD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:24:04 GMT

A lot of this is also what happens when you give children toys that are too big for them. If you actually see the people that are allowed to operate some of the weapons we have over there or had over there during the initial invasion and the time beyond that, you would wonder what idiot put them in another idiot's hands. It probably was exactly the same way in Vietnam. Immature 18 year olds given bombs and guns and go in with the "Whoo hoo lets destroy stuff" like it's some video game. Slightly ironic that usually those of us with half a brain or more in the military aren't put in the position to possibly just randomly decide to run over someone's car with our vehicle just for the fun of it since I hardly see the fun in that.

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Brian, Madison, CT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:29:24 GMT

All this talk about the "culture" of the middle east and the "thousands of years" of religious wars is totally laughable. Has anyone actually read any history of the region? Clearly not. The modern history of the middle east is one of intervention and colonialism from outside, from the 1800s to now. To think that Saddam somehow ruled in a vacuum is simply untrue. He ruled -- and slaughtered -- with the complicity of Western powers who found him useful as a "counterweight" to Iran. By the way, the US had nothing to say when Saddam was slaughtering "his own people" in the eighties with chemical weapons. Why? Because the people he was killing were part of the war with Iran. It is only with our own war in 2003 that these victims have been "resurrected" to prove our own purity and Saddam's depravity. Come on, Homza -- to try to prove we are angels who have nothing to do with the evil of those devils is laughable. Who created the Iraqi state? The West. And for "Down with Iraq" -- your kind of thinking is simply genocidal and fascist, the exact nihilism of Al Qaeda.

Finally, my point about the bodies of the dead: one place they never end up is in the American media. This media continues to whitewash this war, even as the war is failing and the political rationale for whitewashing it has disappeared. Last night I saw a picture of bodies being unloaded from pick up trucks from an Iraqi news show (shown on Mosaic, a program on LinkTV). Let me tell you: I will not forget that image. And we as Americans share responsibility for their death. Their deaths are caused by two groups we enabled: Al Qaeda (our war opened the door for them) and Shiite extremists in the police force (our war set up their government).

In short: we destroyed their state. Though it was a brutal state, it was a functioning state. We are absolutely as responsible for these Iraqi deaths as are the ones who directly pulled the triggers. Because our stupid move let them have the opportunity.

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chris, no — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:32:43 GMT

OK AL, THE USA IS EXTERMINATING THE IRAQ PEOPLE LIKE THE GERMANS WERE DOING TO JEWS. WHAT A DUMB ASS..
STAY OUT THE SUN AL .

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Steven Martin, Highlands Ranch, CO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:33:33 GMT

Geez, I can't believe the stupidity of some of the comments. First of all WE are responsible for all of those deaths, ours and theirs. WE attacked a sovereign nation that never did anything to us. WE created this situation. Anyone who thinks they will ever stop attacking each other or us over there is very naive. Their hatred of each other goes back milleniums. It's like a baby telling its parents to take out the trash and clean the kitchen. Not gonna happen

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Mark Bumgarner, Columbus Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:33:44 GMT

The French have no memory, 300 per hr might be more realistic.Saddam was a murderer, ask the people who lived long enought to flee. And Sieria now has weapons of mass distruction.Saddam had over six months to send them to his friends in Sieria.The USA has protected it own soil by taking the fight to Iraq.Do we have short memories 911 !These radicals will go to what ever country they can to fight a jihad.Read your history books.Bush is drawing them all to one spot so our Armed Forces can deal with them there. Make a choise,over there are here it will be one or the other.These radiacals will not stop till we send them to meet their virgins. I am sorry that people die. We do not intensionally kill non combatants.They kill there own with little provocation and cutoff heads of news people and others as well. And their followers appauld.When americans committ crimes we prosecute those envolved. Wake up or the Jihad will be taking place in your back yard.

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J.B. Topeka, Ks — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:34:21 GMT

Good Lord! Nobody seems to get it! This is the radical Muslem's version of the Christian Crusades (1095-1291). They have shown over and over again that they will come to us, on our grounds, and take us on but they can't be men about it and face us because they have no chance to win that way. They will hide behind women and children so when we protect ourselves, we will get condemned for hurting those women and children. Whether we are in Iraq, or in international waters, or in New York, or in the American Heartland, they will find ways to hurt Americans and it doesn't matter whether your Republican or Democrat. Boards like this one and our national airwaves prove why America is great.....it's not our wealth or our ideals but our freedom. The freedom of speach. The freedom of choice of religion. The freedom to vote for whom we think would be the best representative of us...the American people. The worst problem we have right now is that politicians have too much say in our military matters. Every action brings about crys of outrage no matter what that action is. The military says we need 400,000 troops to complete this mission quickly....DC says "naw, do it with 100,000". Then 3 years later wonder why we are still in there with the number of casualties that we have. I know dozens of military personel that have done multiple tours of duty and believe in what they are doing. But they face 2 sets of enemies. The "terrorists" and the american public that wants to put them in a sure death situation by pulling funding and reducing the personel around them. As I see it we have two choices....pull completly out like we did in Vietnam and become an isolationist country with closed borders so we can be protected from terrorists or build up, shut up and let the military do it's job.

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Will, Big Bear Lake, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:34:42 GMT

If history has shown us anything, it’s that you can NOT impose a democracy on a tribal nation! It was tried on the American Indians and in the end we had to give them a nation within a nation to reach a lasting peace.

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Bobby G., San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:36:06 GMT

This is just a case of where the "cure" for Sadam ended up being worse than the disease. The people that we liberated from tyrannical rule are now being killed by the hundreds every week - funny, the CIA said this would happen, Powell said this would happen, our friends in the Middle East said this would happen... it seems that the only ones who thought this wouldn't happen were the "hawks" that are pushing for us to give this seventh newest plan for victory in Iraq a chance.... Can somebody say "Dumb and Dumber"...

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Wendy Doe, Taft, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:36:20 GMT

We alone cant help them. They need to step up and help themselves as well. Why would anyone think we could go over there, kill a few extremists, and voila! Thousands of years of bloodshed put to rest! We are talking about people who BELIEVE in their cause- the extremists have corrupted their own religion along with their sons and daughters. So what do their innocent do? What do the MILLIONS of non-terrorists do who in every moment fear for their families safety? What did Americans do when we wanted freedom and independence? Regular people took up in arms and we went to battle and faught fiercly for freedom. We somehow put our differences aside and unified under a common cause and when the revolution ended, we worked out the details of our new government. The people there have the attitudes of a beaten dog as a result of centuries of abuse by the radicals. America's mission was/is to give them a chance to breath and regain their strength and hope and we HOPED they might take this opportunity to take a stand. Sunni's, Shiites and WHOEVER have the opportunity to come together and take back a country as a whole- a country that could really be something in the future other than a massive graveyard. The major problem they have is that they can barely comprehend freedom of religion (not the kind of religion where you get to blow people up though) whereas our county was based on that concept from the very beginning. IF the newly formed government we helped them achieve cannot iron out details in a diplomatic effort and unite in a common cause to crush terrorism, the lives of the innocent will continue to be lost as they have for centuries. We can only do so much as a country- we're about to leave and they still havent gotten themselves together- some of us wonder what is the use of kicking a dead horse?

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bob eckstrom, alsip,illinois — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:36:32 GMT

You can piss an moan all you want with the situation in iraq..whats done is done..and no one can change it till this president leaves office..I for one cant wait for this president to make his departure...only problem, how much money will be spent and i'm sure it will be in the millions of dollars every year (tax payer dollars) protecting this idiot untill his day is up...perhaps, if departing presidents were not protected in this manner..decisions by this office would be much different..

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Craig — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:40:03 GMT

WOW! That was a huge blog by Jaisen - and he is completely misguided on every point.

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Steve, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:41:38 GMT

Adolf Bush should be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He has lied repeatedly to further line his and Cheney's pockets.

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Corrine, Honey Brook, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:42:11 GMT

Mary in Inverness,
What you didn't see in the "coverage" after 9/11 was our military pointing guns at people telling them to dance and look happy. Keep drinking your kool-aid, honey...and as for 9/11, read up on a little thing called the Northwoods Operation to see how long your government has been involved in staged "terrorism". They couldn't push that one through but they sure got rid of Kennedy, didn't they? This country has a long history of INVASION. As a matter of fact, this country was FOUNDED on it.

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Diana, Columbus OH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:42:16 GMT

To Francois B - What world to do you live in? Saddam only killed 300??? Maybe 300 a day, probably more like an hour and W killed 300,000??? Do you have a clue? What about the 100,000s of Kurds that Saddam gassed? As weel as all of the other innocents that he and his family put to death? Maybe the French need to focus on their own political shortcomings like giving Nuclear Aid to Iraq, Iran and Pakistan!!! Look in your own backyard before you criticise the politics of other countries!!!

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Robert M.Langley Rock Hill S.C. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:43:36 GMT

We should have left Saddam in power.He ruled the only way these people understand, with violence.We should have allied with Saddam against the Iranians we owe them a butt whipping.And maybe against the Saudi Arabians.If I remember correctly was'nt most if not all the 911 hijackers Saudi Arabian.

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Gerald Hosford, Elko, Nevada — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:45:03 GMT

Richard in Panama City, Fla. saying about our need for oil is no different then saying about the starving peoples need for our food that we ship to them. Remember that oil helps grow and transport all the food and medical supplies shipped around this troubled world to help those less fortunate and those that are under the thumb of the wicked. don't forget that we use the resources of this planet to help others that can not help themselves.

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Mike-Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:45:25 GMT

Last night I watched the All-Star game from the comfort of my home. Over 43 thousand people were at that game. Last week I spent several hours shopping at retail stores, malls and ate dinner with my family....I didn't have to worry about a sucide bomber blowing his/her self up and killing me or my family. I'm not ashamed to be an American, I'm proud that our country would rather take the fight to them then let them(insane Middle Easterns)kill our innocent people.
The West will not go away, it will not retreat and the world is a better place because of America.

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Mary, SF, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:47:05 GMT

Quite frankly I'm so tired of people from other countries hating us. I wish we could close all the doors to this country and lock the doors to the banks. Why do so many hate us, but it is to us that they come with their hands for money. I am definitely evolving into an isolationist.

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Frantz Fannon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:49:40 GMT

Excuse me while I throw up. "We ( meaning Americans) liberated them....' Liberated them from WHAT? Time will tell on you, O Jezebel!

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Dusted off, and broke in Iraq — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:49:40 GMT

It all started with a little lie that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. That little lie costs the US ( going over this soon ) 4k US lives, and many of our troops don't have the limbs that God gave them. I happen to work along our service members here, and I can tell you right now that there wasn't any here at all. The focus should have been in Afganistan in the mountains looking for Bin Laden, and trying to find him in a hole hiding like Saddam.Many millions of our tax dollars are being spent on frivilious "satellite spying techniques" that can easily be wrongly read by another person looking at the images. What we need to do as a nation is to stop the clock, get back in with the UN, withdrawl our trrops, and loved ones back home, rebuild our United States by making more jobs available at home so that " We The People of The United States" DON'T have to travel out of our country to find a better paying job in harms way,and find a president that is for the people, by the people like we voted, and have a right to have. Sure, we're going to lose lives here in Iraq when freedom isn't free, but at what cost of our sacrifices are you going to gamble with? Do you think that the US has paid a heavy fee for false information especially when a banner was held up behind of our " Representative" saying "Mission Accomplished" when we really didn't even scratch the surface of anything here, and are head over heels in an Iraqi Civil War that has been going on since the days of Jesus Christ Himself? How many more of "Our Heroes of our country" 's family members do they have to pay an untimely visit to? How many times do our troops have to stand while "TAPS" is being played, and seeing them fighting back tears as our loved ones are honored for bravery under fire? I truely understand that they get deployed, they do their job, but so far, many of them did not go back home. Where did all of this start? Scroll back up.....It all started with a little lie.......... When will it end? When we have better solutions, and better intelligence for us to go by, and no more lies from someone who couldn't even put his hands on a reef at The Tomb of the Unknown. America, we put him there, ( I didn't vote for him, but he still won, because some of us didn't get out from in front of their computers long enough to find a better candidate that would represent us better. ) he lied to us, we sacrificed a lot more that we could handle yet once again, and we lost money in this war that wasn't a war after all. Now, we're going to be losing the shirts off of our backs, because our patience has ran out the door with what we have experienced on, and years after 9/11. So, in general, believe what you want to believe, but make sure there is TRUTH to back it up. If there is truth behind it, we should act on it. If not, seek it before the deployment of troops on the ground. I have lost 4 friends here in this country. I have burden to bear for not being able to say goodbye to them before they went out of the wire. I dedicate this to them, and their families. My deepest, and humbling apoligies go out to anyone who I might have offended,but no one got the big picture. I regretfully am the one who had to hold it up to show you what went wrong, and who we should have gone after. It wasn't Saddam. We put him here too,remember? Sheeesh:(

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quiet lady — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:49:41 GMT

Pull our boys out. Let those crazy people kill each other; yes, they have been doing it for centuries, and it doesn't seem to affect their population a bit, anyway. Who cares if they kill each other? Protect out country, and to hell with the rest! Maybe we should "wake up" the MONROE DOCTRINE of old? We should get rid of all the Arabs in this country, too, just like the Mexican illegals. It would be good for everyone.

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Dave F., Wetumpka, AL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:51:12 GMT

In regard to the diparaging remarks about the French,
1)Consider the fact that they and the Germans & others
are working with us in Afghanistan. 2)See Michael
Moore & his conversation with a group of Americans who
live & work in France & then decide why our govern-
ment wants us to hate the French, in the movie
"Sicko." It's quite an education. Best he's done.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Stephen Bozich, Southern Pines, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:52:32 GMT

They are a bunch of savages, bent on killing each other over how to worship God, for a thousand more years.
I am not taking about the Middle East, but Europe. That is exactly what the isolationists gave as an excuse to sit out the fight.
Now we are faced with the same question, stand firm against tyranny or hide in an increasingly small corner of the world.
Thousands more innocents will die before Islam is brought to heel. The only way that can be mitigated is by bringing that 'religion' to its knees sooner rather than later.
As for those who claim religion has produced more corpses of the centuries than anything else, I would have to disagree. Between Stalin, Mao, and Pol Pot, I think the godless Communists have the murder market cornered.
Of course I am just a conservative, who happens to be serving in the Army overseas, so what do I know (other than how to spell)?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kevin — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:52:35 GMT

To Albert in Houston:
We did sell Sadaam weapons and technology. However, if you think we are the only ones you are quite mistaken. Sadaam used a minimum of three channels for any procurment (this was documented in a book before the last war by one of his buyers). If one fell through, there were two others to take it's place. Some US companies actually declined to bid on chemical plants because thier engineers determined that the only purpose for the chemicals to have been produced was nefarious. The plants were built, however, by European firms.
There is enough blame to go around to all sides. Question is, are we willing to clean up the mess that we made? We will face this foe, if not now, then 10, 15 years down the line when their weaponry is substantially more advanced. Won't matter much to me, however, it will to my and your kids, if you have any. They will be the ones that will have to finish this fight. The curret death toll will look like a bargain by comparison

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Doc French Blue Springs, Missouri — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:52:56 GMT

Give me a break folks, do you think for onr minute it would be much different anywhere else? Destroy what social order there is, terminate the employment of 1000s in the military, police, and intelligence business leaving them with no means of support (thanks Paul). Add to this the rush to find the "nasty" weapons so several warehouses full of conventional weapons and ammunition are left unguarded. What do you suppose would happen? If you think life in the U.S. wouldn't be like Iraq today you live in dream land.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Gordon - Nashville, Tennessee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:53:28 GMT

Imagion OK City bombing, + 9-11, as well as the most savage cannabalist actions humans may inflict on 1 another, almost every day, certainly every week. If the Tables were turned, where would Americans bury their Dead?
I've not heard any mention of the Environmental destruction that is being wrought on that region. The pollution that will be contaminating their soil for decades.
A mass of population with PTSD...
Saddam was a cruel person, but was he keeping a lid on this 'broiling pot', or have many of these Citizens been sacrificed to impress our Armed Forces?!
I have no doubt that for all the insideous greed of this Adminstration (And they should NOT be allowed to incur the rewards of their 'blood monies'; of which their still garnishing on a daily baisis- the obvious reason for keeping the troops in this theatre, demonstrating distain for the Lifes of the Iraqis.), an action boyish show-off to impress his father, and the clumination of a 'dare', motivated by the promise of access, for HIS CRONIES, not all Americans, just his buds, to the wealth of vast reserves of high grade: OIL!
We, whom are Americans, who predicted something just of this sort when the Republicans nonminated a drunken, 'born-again' moron... voted into Office in the atmosphere of hate, out of spite, than who's corrupted election was sanctioned by the Democrates, Al Gore himself refusing to contest the Vote in the Senate, have brought US to this demise.
We, the World, will never recover from this debachale. I can only predict that if we withdrawl, (and we must immediately) that sooner or later this EXTERMINATION EVENT will eventually run it's course. These are 'common occurances' in human history. As Cambodia, Rawanda, Serbia, and other slaughter's of this nature attest. Hopefully, once the US, & British Troops are out of that reigon, the motivation to commit these horendous acts of carnage will subside.
I have no doubt that there will be the desire to enact revenge upon US, again costing US hughly in $'s and resources protecting Ourselves from Phantoms where as that time, & effort should be best spent cleaning-up Our own environment.
The time to rid Ourselves of the dependance on OIL is = YESTERDAY.
To do that we need a drastic overhaul, and reformation of the Energy, & Automotive Industry!
It's a shame to think that much of the action conducted in Iraq has been for naught. It's another stain on this Proud Nation to have to bear the realization that this was simply done as a 'sham' and a 'con'.
My heart goes out to those Iraqi's whom are suffering intolerabley!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

J-Robert Granger Tucson Az — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:54:57 GMT

it is time we were told the truth about Iraq and our presence there. And time the Dems and Socialists here opened their eyes and ears.

Look at a map of the MidEast. See where Iraq is located. It sits between the Persian Shiites and the Arab Sunnis. It is a needed base for Western Civilization to in the coming World War of militant (not extremist, mainline militant)Islam and the rest of the Infidel world. The two great powers of Islam, Iran and Arabia want to offer the rest of us what their Quran tells them they should offer, i.e. conversion, slavery or death.

Iraq stands now in the position of the Phillipines in WW II. It is the place where we must hold to prevent another Pearl Harbor.

People, we are at war, Iraq is only a battle in that war and if we lose that battle the next one will be fought in Europe and the one after that in North America. Look at the map;listen to Ahmadinejad; read the words of the Wahabis in England.
Then decide, fight, really fight to win, in Iraq, or fight in the increasingly muslim Southwest of the U.S.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Jyl, Orem, Ut — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:55:42 GMT

First of all, to all you who are trying to get your point across, its Iraq.. with a q... not a g... second, I was very close to someone who was in the Airforce. He was in the medical field and for 6 months was the first person injured soldiers saw when they got back to the states. The first thing EVERY one of them said to him was "get me fixed, i need to go back. They need me." He heard many stories of the people there hugging them and thanking them. My husband is in the Army, and he is being deployed soon, and i am so proud of him. I am honored to know that he is serving our country and helping those he doesnt even know, because its the right thing to do.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

john florida — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:57:00 GMT

FRACOIS BECHARD;PARIS
You can't count I'm sorry to say.I would rather say that your English is not that good. It is that or i have to say that you are dumb as a box of rocks. YOU CHOOSE !!
GRAY N.Y. N.Y.
THANK YOU FOR BEING RIGHT ON ALL POINTS.
LEE TEXAS;
THE MILITARY DID VOTE (THEY ARE AMERICANS)AND IN THE SECOND TERM THEY VOTED FOR G.W.BUSH. I BELIEVE BY 80% + OR - A LITTLE.CHECK YOUR FACTS.
What you see as sectarian violence i see as negotiations between interested parties. This is a question of who gets what after we come home.We see it as killing and they see it as talking points.The government there needs to get down to the splitting of the country's wealth with all the people .But you have the little matter of power between religion and politics (you separate the two) if you can. But this is fast loosing it's luster and if they wont get it
together we need to step back and really let them wipe each other out and to the victor go the spoils. the end.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Salim — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:58:13 GMT

If they 'STOP Killing EACH other'

it's more like

If only the US didn't invade Iraq.
If only the US secure Iraq's borders.
If only the US Did not leave Saddam's thugs free
If only the US force Saudai, Syrai and Iran to stop their agents and sucicide bombers to Iraq.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

David Arnold, Apex, NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:59:10 GMT

Actually, whose fault it is changes as you go back in time. For whatever reason, the Middle East was divided by artificial boundaries that seem to assure that peace is not an option through war alone.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Jim in Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:02:15 GMT

After reading this blog, I being a retired military person have come to the conclusion NONE of you have half a clue as to what is going on! Nature abhors a vacuum plain and simple. Radical Islamic militants are trying to seize apon an opportunity that the USA created. They would like nothing more than to see the whole world as an Islamic State period, that is their goal. Islam may be a peaceful religion and way of life, but like all religions their is always a few willing to take it to the extreme. What i find so amusing is those leaders who take it to such extremes are the biggest cowards this world has ever seen. Hiding behind woman and children, dressing in womans clothes to try to run and hide. These so called leaders of the radicals have and will continue to cause more civilian deaths than the good old USA could do in a hundred years! They have been at it for thousands of years, what in anyones mind makes them think these idiots will stop any time soon??????
You folks need to get a life and get better educated on what has happened in that part of the world in the last couple thousand years. I may not be the best person to be preaching education, but the moron who said that Saddam only killed 300 people shows just how little education people have on these countries. Saddam massacred more than 10x that many people in just a few hours. The person who stated we gave Saddam WMD's to fight the Iranians had better do some more research as well...we supplied bullets, tanks and rockets. We turned our head on the WMD's that where being used against the Kurds as long as they where being used against the people of Iran as well, then we cried foul after the war was over! We supplied the afgans(taliban), we supplied military of Iraq as long as it was in our best interest. But the second it was not in our best interest, it became a whole different story!
Right now you folks had better wake up and smell the coffee! The middle east is about to blow up in all our faces! Iraq basically has a civil war between religions going on fueled by the Al Qaeda. But they have much larger problems than that going on. They at this very moment have 140,000 Turkish troops sitting on their northern border waiting to pounce on the Kurds, they have highly trained Iranian suicide bombers crosssing at the southern boarder waiting for the good old USA to make a mistake and try something stupid to give them the excuse to really make all hell break loose. This is NOT my imagination running wild, or the rants of some gung ho military type. READ THE NEWS FOLKS, ITS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE! You think civilian casualty's are high now.....Just wait and watch. We are on the verge of WW3. Turkey, Afganistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Syria, and Lebanon all at war, all at the same time. Mark my words, those cemetery's will be filling up fast if this happens! And we will be stuck right smack dab in the middle of it all with no way out.....wait till you see the body counts if all this breaks loose!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Tom Mount Pocono Pa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:03:16 GMT

Ey you obviously have short term memeory. In case you dont remember the Iraqi's were celebrating when we took Saddam out. Its what happend afterwards that is causeing the problem. The problem is majority of people in Iraq are not very educated and when they are easily influenced by the Shieks. Unfortunately they believe them when they say see America is occuping us this is a holy war. There is another thing you also prob didnt hear Sunni leaders/ Al-queada in Iraq said that if Iran doesnt stop suppling weapons and training to Shite the will declare war against Iran in 2 months. Iran needs to stop influencing them. There are many other things but i dont like to type

Iraq's Valley of Peace

cb — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:04:27 GMT

Look at the war on the Gaza strip. Any Americans there? Nope!! Remember 911? How dare anyone critizise Bush for his decisions! If Regan would of been Pres when 911 happpened, it would of been over fast. "They" want to kill unlike Christians.
From a fellow Canadian, support our troops people because if we had none, "They" would be killing us here...everyday like over there.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Michael Mitchell, Portland, OR — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:05:16 GMT

This war is about people listening to the lies they want to hear. Bushies listened to Ahmed Chalabi that the Iraqi people would welcome us as liberators. Post invasion we arrested Chalabi for being an Iranian agent, passing secrets to Iran.

Iran wanted the U.S. in Iraq: get rid of their arch enemy Saddam, bog the U.S. down in an unwinnable war which they fund and arm from next door. Iran's power in the region has mushroomed while our impotence is on display EVERY DAY with their news showing the "invincible Americans" getting blown to pieces.

Iraq is America's Afghanistan. The U.S.S.R. so impoverished itself and its international reputation in that war that it ceased to be the U.S.S.R.

Now imagine the war had never happened. Imagine we had had a president that didn't lie about war AND force his scientists to lie about global warming. Imagine 6 years ago we started spending the money we've wasted in Iraq on alternate fuel research, a "We're going to the moon" push to get off fossil fuels. What a different world it would be today: American as a leader in underwriting technologies to save the world instead of a leader in exporting death and fighting to stay married to fossil fuels: America's death spiral.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

kevin, Huntsville, AL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:05:24 GMT

How many will die in Darfur when the next administration decides to send in troops? That seems to be the rallying call among some that advocate pulling out of Iraq. The two positions are irreconcilable. If we do not have the bearing to stick it out in Iraq, what would make one think we would do any different in Dafur, or the next heartstring tugging plight? If we pull out, then lets pull out of Germany, France, Saudi, Kuwait, Quatar, etc, pull the troops back here, then prepare and wait for the attack that I suspect will come once the extremist consolidate their power.
It would require exploiting our own oil reserves, building new refineries, new nuclear generation capacity, as well as an apollo or Manhattan type projects towards new energy sources and efficiency. We could encourage Russia, China and Europe to do the same. Then let these forces find their revenues dwindling.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Tom Poconos — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:07:16 GMT

salim they have been at war with each other before America even existed no your facts!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

US Army Sgt., Buffalo, NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:08:27 GMT

As an Iraqi war vet.....you best believe they are killing each other and you better be thankful that we are there or else you would be seeing more insurgency in this country! Wake up America! We are there to protect these idiots from coming in our front door....and this is just the beginning!

God Bless America!

Non doubters.....leave this blessed country if it is better elsewhere. Trust me......it isn't!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Patrick helu — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:12:16 GMT

We did not kill the Native Americans. They were killing each other for thousands of years. We did not enslave the Blacks. They were enslaving each other for hundred of years.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Dave, Utah — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:12:23 GMT

I think many people here are not looking at the whole picture. I mean starting back to Abraham. The children of Islam are the desendants of Ishmal, first born of Abraham. The Jews are the desendants of Issac, second born of Abraham. If are versed in the Bible you will know that Issac was given the birth right of his father over Ishmal who was banished with his mother, who was Abrahams wifes hand made. This fight is for birth right period. It has been going on for thousands of years. If you also look back into history you will also know that if you are not Muslim you must be killed. That is also thier belief. Many people have pointed out that Bush lied about this or that. But if you were to look back at the time we decided to go to war with Iraq. Their was bipartisan support for this war. I know people that were involved, and saw the data that was shown by intelligence, and everybody saw the same report from the CIA that Bush saw and made his decision on.

Now I remember the President telling EVERYBODY that this war would take at least 10 YEARS, and there was overwelming support accross AMERICA to make this happen. (that means if you are from another country I'm not talking to you.)And now because we are loosing our brothers and sisters on the battlefield, we want to go home. I have lost soldiers that I have trained and worked with in Iraq. And I would as a soldier rather die in Iraq fighting, than die here defending. If you think pulling out of Iraq will help you are sadly mistakin'. If the Iraqi government does not get established to a point that it has control of its country. Radicals from other countries will continue to flow into the unstable mess and build armies.

These armies will have the funding of the Arab world behind them and they will be a force that will mass with unbelievable speed. The Arab countries that exist today are bound by some type of control. If we pull out of Iraq, insurgents will mass with thier own agenda. If you think a few terrorist threats and bombing are horrid. Then imagine a country that has no other agenda than to redeem its birthright from the rest of the world. And unfortunatly all those Arab ally nations you thought you had. Well lets just say it doesn't take much to change thier way of thought. I give it 1 to 2 years if we pull out now, before we are invaded through our borders by terrorist armies who are dieing to meet Allah.

We need to stand our course in Iraq to prevent this from happening here. Another thing that America has forgotten, is that person in the White House that we call President, George Bush. Well he didn't sign the declaration of war by himself. He was lied to also. Information in intelligence only gets out as the intelligence community sees fit. If they want something to happen, they will the release only what is vital to thier agenda. The president was lied to with everybody else. What are you supposed to do afterwards. Sedam lured us in hook, line and sinker. He knew what he was doing. The man might have been sick, but he was a genius. He was an avid chess player and knew how to plan for the future. I believe he could not hand over Iraq, so by dragging us in by deception, he knew Islamic exstremist would stand a chance to over power us. Or at least get the Americans mad enough to demand a withdrawl of thier troops before an effective government can be established. Basing off of the Viet Nam results he had a good chance of being right.

All of the readers out there that are concerned about bloodshed and loss of children, and all of the other humanitarian issues. I'm sorry for your grief, and I myself have 9 children so don't think I don't care because I do. I just don't want to be telling my own children to duck because of incoming rounds in my own town. Let our soildiers do thier job, and unfortunatly dieing is one of them, I know because "I SWORE TO GOD DO DEFFEND MY COUNTRY AND UPHOLD THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH MY LIFE". as did every soldier out thier.

If you don't believe what I'm saying thats your opinion, and I served so that you can have that opinion and not exicuted for it. But read the bible, and the Karan. And look up the old news releases from before the war.

If you can read this thank a teacher, if you are reading this in english thank a soldier.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kevin, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:13:14 GMT

I am so relieved that George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney are in the White House, as opposed to the lying global warming hoaxster Albert Arnold Gore, or the richly deserved Swift Boated Johnny Kerry. Had these other two clown been elected President, who knows how many more 9/11 attacks this country would have suffered through over the past 6 years. Because of their nauseating liberal beliefs, both Gore and Kerry would have placed the blame of global terrorism squarely on the United States. They would have both lectured us on how it was our fault that we were attacked, they would have lectured us on how rotten and terrible we are for causing so much pollution and stealing so much money from other nations, and they would have hectored and ranted about how we Americans are the world's worst terrorists. They would have already granted bin Laden a visa to visit colleges and universities in America so that bin Laden could lecture Americans on how awful we are, and why it was necessary for him and Islam to vent their frustrations on us via 9/11. Thank God George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney occupy the White House.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

quiet lady — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:13:35 GMT

1. impeach Bush - he's as crazy as they are.
2. Get our boys out of there.
3. Cleanse our county of all Arabics
4.Find out just who else is funding/causing Middle Eastern wars, and..
4. NUKE 'EM ALL..
5. Ask, "Anyone Else?"
6. Close our whole damned county to ANYONE who causes problems in their country.
I don't think there'd be any takers, but I'm a little crazy.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

John Thurmond — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:14:25 GMT

Lorri Miguel, the United States has an all volunteer military. Every service member has enlisted by their own choice and are aware of the potential dangers.

Kudos to Gray, NY, NY you are absolutely correct. The French are completely self serving, and haven't been relevant for 100 or so years.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Truth the Free world — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:15:00 GMT

Fact: When Nazi Germany was murdering the world Islamic leaders like Iraq's Grand Mufti idolized Hitlers doctines and emulated them as do a bunch of the Islamic clerics and leaders are doing today. Hate the Jew and anyone else who does not cow down to their belifs and murderous ways of world domination, oppression and religious persecution. Use the most brutal means possible to control and conquer (Hitler). The first recorded instance of religious persecution came form Egypt during the rule of Akkenaten (?) the first person to concieve of monotheism. They are spreading their filthy warped beliefs on the world by using Murder ever since the Ottoman Turk started murdering from it's conception for (again world donination).
Bush and this administration also have done a lot of stupid, greedy and murderous things all so they could make a profit. These religious bums all deserve each other. How do they know what god thinks? Pretty conceited.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

David M. Albany Or. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:17:34 GMT

These people have been killing each other since the beginning of recorded history. Each has their own reasons for doing so. For those of you who have never had to live in a third world country,life is very cheap. Living and being educated in North America also gives us a certain bias on the matter completely. I do agree that it would be nice to see the violence end. The probability of this happening ?
The equation has yet to be written with no probable certainty. It's like Pi 3.14.
So how are you going to make a difference ? Turn your computer off, travel to some third world country and help those who are willing to accept your help. One thing that is certain. Helping others less fortunate than yourself, will change your life forever. For the American and Foreign troops abroad doing their part. We love you men and women.(HOORAH!!)

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Susan ,Michigan — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:18:15 GMT

Osama Ben ladans name came out of "OLIVER NORTHS" mouth during the "contra-trials" American governement knew about him since the 80's, America should of woke up then...And as far as alex and Mike's comments in the beginging of this discussion I agree with you "MIKE" Iraqi's have been blowing themselves up for thousands of years , Their mentality is to hate or kill anything ,including "AMericans" who come to save "them", and "who cares" who,or what stands in their way of achieving a goal for their 77 virgins when they die, the promise of caring for thier family left behind should show others "NOT" to do the deed and sacrafice their life(suicide bombings) so their families will be taken care of.lies propaganda from their own brain washings beliefs, a country where you can not even EXPRESS in words how you feel with out getting "SHOT".
Alex ,Mike has every right to practice "Freedom of Speech" in America, without you judging him for it,,,isn't that why we are AT THE WAR in Iraq "religious Persecution"? People judging one another, and because "they" don't believe like them , what do they do? blow them up or shoot them.
As far as America being responsible for the health care of those people being innocently hurt? Uh, lets get healthcare here at home for everyone before dishing it out to NON-Americans that I pay health care taxes for.Wake up America !

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kurtislee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:19:10 GMT

Hey Jim McKee, how about we spend the 1/2 TRILLION dollars on securing OUR borders and policing OUR country and let the people of Iraq sort their own differences? Hmmm?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kevin, Moline, IL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:19:16 GMT

Lorri Miguel of Orick Ca. - that is the second time I have heard what is quite possibly the dumbest statement ever. "You are the America that has put my Army son in mortal danger". Have you forgotten the purpose of an army? Unfortunately, this war will and must continue. If not on middle east soil, then our own. Your anti-Republican statements are no different than the ones of the person you accosted. Your beliefs only foster more bi-partisanship which is tearing our own country apart. It is tragic, the loss of so many innocent lives. Had we avoided this war (and others), eventually we would need to defend our own soil. As far as blaming this war on Bush, I disagree. All of our elected officials truly understood the neccessity of it. Unforunately, it would be political suicide to condone the actions of the party opposition.

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R. Delano — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:19:26 GMT

"Dear Bob from Atlanta, before we invaded them they had at least 600,000 in mass graves from the last regime alone, 20% of their population was internally or internationally displaced, and they lost about 10% of their population in wars with Iran, Kuwait and low intensity conflicts with Syria and a few other countries, Israel and Saudi Arabia included. International sanctions were, if the UN is to be believed, killing thousands of their children yearly for lack of antibiotics, public health services like sewage treatment and immunizations.
Your conclusion is that the problem Iraq faces is that the USA invaded this lovely Nirvanah, because before we weren't afflicted with having to see what was going on. As we Slavs used to say, Pravda Vitezi, even if people like yourself miss the point entirely.
Your assertion is rather like saying America was responsible for Hungarian casualties in 1956. We could have helped Budapest more then and Baghdad now, to be sure, but the people actually murdering people, Communists then, now generally the ethnically motivated Sunni Arab revanchists and Baathists who are increasinly allying with the government in Baghdad but more importantly the Al Qaeda transplants who incited the latest surge in sectarian killings with Iranian assistance in order to get us to throw in the towel and leave, are responsible for the deaths.
Distinguish between the sheepdog and the wolf please. Both kill, but there's a world of moral differenc between the two." Honza P
A intelligent assessment by a person who thinks before they speak.
Middle East in a nutshell: Tribal/religious warfare that has NEVER changed in a couple of hundred years.
only TWO bright moments in the History of mankind has ever come from the whole damn region, and BOTH were in ANCHENT HISTORY!
So in retrospect, Let's ALL get off the oil tit, become self sufficient and try (maybe) to deal with whoever left standing after they murder each other off.
Oh, Francois...Your country had it's collective ass handed to it back in '40, Made kissy face with your oppressors (Jeepers, how could I forget..EVERYONE was with the "Underground"!!!) Y'all mismanaged EVERY single colony that you had and lost them too. a lot of this mess is DIRECTLY due to y'alls INEPT meddling in the Mid East! Go look at the graveyards in Normandy. Those men gave their lives so that De Gaul could claim "The Liberation of France", and then talk trash!

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O-a, Cleveland, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:21:07 GMT

How about some ACCOUNTABILITY for the wrongs that US has committed on the Iraqi people! Not the responsibility for cleaning the mess that we keep creating but rather accountability of the leaders for their criminal decisions to do so much harm to Iraq?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

dave buttler, klamath falls, oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:21:41 GMT

what really strikes me as bizzare in all this, is that these people have been fighting for centuries over who has the best IMAGINARY friend. i say this because nobody has actually seen any of these holy people. they just believe they exist.

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Sarah, Los Angeles, Cali. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:23:03 GMT

I'm 16 years old and i believe the whole war is complete crap. Its ridiculous that we're still fighting a war, for what? Weapons we've never found?? Our service men and women are dying every day. It's sickening.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

kevin, Huntsville, Al — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:26:50 GMT

I read the posts here and am reminded of a scifi series from a few years back, Babylon 5. One episode dealt with a war criminal who had, through her experiments on captured beings, a drug that would extend life indefinately. Of course all the different races were arguing to lay claim to the miracle. As the war criminal was being escorted to earth, one of the more advanced races destroyed the shuttle. Their comment was "You are not ready for immortality"

That, in the overal scheme of things, is our problem. We can envision what a peacefull world can look like, and expect it now. However, we are,at our core, imperfect beings. We are all too prone to rule based on emotion rather than logic moderated by emotion. If we do not destroy ourselves, I believe we will reach the stage that what we envision will be possible. Until then, expect more of the same

Iraq's Valley of Peace

C Summers — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:27:56 GMT

The Whole of the Middle East has long been the World's largest Cemetary-where do you think all the oil came from? Millenium of wars, massacres, raids and revenge-as well as half-brother against half-brother over their father's inheritance:what was meant to be a shared blessing has instead become an Age-old Curse...War.
Peace can often be found at the end on days of each generation's Struggle. however-if the Ancient Code and Ethics, or Chivalries as it were, were followed,
But those who fight today seem to lean more to the barbarous, with mutilations, rapes, and canabalism are widely practiced even as I 'speak'/type. All Men Everywhere ought to be ashamed of ourselves.
We are One People under One Sky living on One Earth with One Creator/Father/God.
May God grant us His Mercy and His Peace through these daze to come, as Iran sits poised and ready to strike, like a viper in the bush...WW3???

We all need to Pray for Peace in whatever way we do-and for Healing! I do, almost every morning...

If you would like to take part in a World Peace Quilt Project, please email me at crafinna@hotmail.com . Thank you for caring! 8)

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Dave Carter, Pearland TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:28:49 GMT

"Islam is a religion of peace" What have you been reading? It's not the Quran. It espouses violence - beat your wife if she does not obey, kill the infidels, kill anyone that blasphemes Allah or Mohammed, kill anyone that converts from Islam... and so on. How can that be equated to peace?

Why is the American public being fed so much BS from the media when so many atrocities are being committed in the name of Allah? Would a benevolent god truly want murder in his name?

I agree that America should stay out of being the world's police force. I'd love to see the US concentrate on its own interior rather than what's going on so much in the world for a while. But, since what's "done is done". Let's just work to finding better solutions rather than beating on a drum to complain and accuse (i.e. Bush, the Republicans, etc.) and start coming up with more positive approaches. For those of you that complain about Bush: What have you done lately to improve your world's condition? I mean locally. Have you helped someone out that needed a flat tire replaced? Have you been patient in traffic when stuck behind a slower driver? Simple things. How many of you have actually taken the time to right your local representative to Congress? I daresay, very few of those that complain to their friends about Bush, the Iraqi mess and so on actually do anything proactive.

It's time people worked harder to make change rather than sit on their collective asses and complain.

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Nik, Michigan — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:29:43 GMT

I am married to a Marine who has been serving our country the last 5 years. We have very opposing views on the war. My view is that we need to get out as soon as we can and that we never should have gotten into it. His is very different. He feels that we are there to help control Iran and to help the Iraqi people. I understand that Iran is a threat to us. But why aren't we helping all of the world? I know we do some things in Africa but why aren't we invading it and stopping the killing of thousands of lives? I know it is our job to help the world but to what extend is it our job alone? We have to help others and I think people forget that. Maybe it wasn't for the right reasons, but we can't change that now. None of us have a time machine. We can't change the last 7 years and it just seems like we should be looking ahead intead of constantly looking backwards. A new president will be in office soon and hopefully we will be able to help others around the world as we have since our country began.

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rich, ohio, usa — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:30:46 GMT

How would people in the US like it if Russia invaded Canada for a "good cause". How would Americans like it if another country invaded us in order "to help us" or maybe rescue us from George Bush? And another thing- fundamentalist people of religion are the stupidest people on the planet or the universe. They are also the biggest murdering Btd's.

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DS, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:33:22 GMT

Don't you get it yet? The Muslims' 'Allah' is Satan. The virgins they are promised, if they kill Christians, are most likely virgin goats. Read Revelations, folks. This is Armageddon.

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kevin, Huntsville AL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:33:32 GMT

To Susan in Michigan:
Bin Ladens name did not come out of Ollie North's mouth. I believe it was Abul Nidal, the terrorist du jure of the 80s. Mr Nidal was found shot to death in Baghdad shortly before the current war.

Bin Laden's name DID come up in the mid 90's, but it was treated as a criminal matter instead of a matter of national security.

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Bill Smith — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:36:51 GMT

This whole dirty war in Iraq and Afghanistan, killing 1000's of people every day, weeks and years. Why some of the Iraqi people complain that there women and children and elderly are being killed by American's, when their own Iraqi citizens have shot, kidnapped and mutilated, and torchered their own Iraqi citizens. How can the USA,ever win when we can not fire unless we are fired upon ???

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Retired GI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:37:37 GMT

Bob, from Atlanta..you must be the local idiot where you live..Why did God let Abraham Lincoln die and you live? Who knows...

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Bill Butterman, Modesto , CA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:39:14 GMT

just a couple of quick questions; If we went to Iraq to steal their oil as some folks say we did then why is it that only %5 of our oil imports come from Iraq? and why is it that we continue to pay retail for that %5? and why didn't we just go steal oil from canada or mexico instead of going halfway around the globe? surely we could kick canada's butt in week or two (mexico would take longer because of the water). And lastly why hasn't all this stolen oil resulted in lower gas prices? Lets face it; saying we went to Iraq to get their oil is just plain stupid.

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Mo Town, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:39:26 GMT

Jim from PA. That was a great idea to have the Iraq's vote for the US to stay or go, but then I remembered how our past 2 presidential elections went.

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C Summers Denver, Co — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:42:05 GMT

By the way-that comment made I found offensive of dropping an A-bomb and turning the whole place to glass ate at me....what a horrid thing to imagine:Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
But what I found unsettling is this, if such a horrid thing happened, the Book Of Revelation's Sea of Glass takes on a whole new meaning of perspective.
Peace for all, not only in the Valley of Peace where bodies of Martyrs lay in dishonored State, should be the Goal of All Generations now, or there won't be much left to fight over anymore, I fear, with Iran breathing down our necks now.

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John, Los Angeles — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:43:46 GMT

Wait a second, we invaded Iraq because Saddam was killing his own people? That's news to me. All you Bush lovers need to get your facts straight. Bush did not send our people to die over there out of compassion. He went over there to avenge his father and used weapons of mass destruction as an excuse. George H. Bush Sr. gave Iraq 1 billion in aid the same year Saddam was gasing the Kurds. America supported Iraq in their war with Iran, causing millions of deaths. I am amazed that so many of my fellow Americans think that this war has been about helping the Iraqi people. We're a really naive country. If Iraq had not invaded Kuwait no politician in this country would have cared.

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Nelson Rothschild, NY, NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:45:45 GMT

I think the bottom line is that we need oil. This much we should understand. The white house understands that, and that is why we are there. Unfortunately, there is an Iraqi population sitauated within the same real estate. While we are trying to extract the oil, which we need (Make no mistake about it), we are trying to bring the population to a point where a free society can develop and flourish. Unfortunately, a few bad apples are tring to stand in the way. At some point, we may need to re-evaluate our strategy and just give in to the easy temptation to wipe the slate clean and declare all those remaining as collateral damage. We just cant continue to hemmorage American blood to save a society that is already dead.

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MM LONGBEACH,CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:47:57 GMT

EVERYONE THOSE PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO KILL EACHOTHER FOREVER ALL FOR DIFFERENCE IN RELIGION .. NO ONE IN THIS WORLD CAN STOP THEM FROM CHANGING THEIR MINDS ON THEIR ...R E L I G I O N...

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Ray Westfall, Turlock Ca. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:49:02 GMT

If americans still believe we overthrew Saddam's government due to WMD'S, or Saddams killing of innocents,or that Iraq was an imminent threat to America, then we are aguing about fiction perpertated by our current leadership. I researched the Iraqi hydrocarbon law written by western energy companies, with the vice presidents help and approval prior to our invasion. The new Iraqi oil law details exactly the reason for our overthrow and continued occupation. Take a look for yourself and you too will know. Iraq has the third largest untapped reserve of sweet crude on earth. Its THEIR OIL, THEIR OIL, THEIR OIL!!!

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Peter Madsen, Parker, Colorado — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:51:01 GMT

Two points,

1) The bloodshed in the Middle East is not about religion - it's about POVERTY. Religion is just a vehicle to attract the disenfranchised. The wahabi's, Hezbolah, etc are all succeeding because they provide support networks to the poor. Our billion dollars spent each week could be better spent on helping the poor in these countries rather than allowing other powers to do it and gain influence and a modicum of control.

2) We may not agree with the President or how his policies got us where we are today but we are there. If we in fact pull out precipitously, there will be chaos and anarchy. Sadly, this is because of our invasion. Whether or not Saddam was a bad guy, the country was a somewhat stabilizing influence in Iran's sphere of influence.

3) If we withdraw a significant number of U.S. forces, we will see huge increases in casualties because our own kids won't have the ability to protect themselves. If we withdraw precipitously, Iraq in 2010 will mirror Afghanistan on 9/10/2001. I do not want to see combat trained jihadists on our own soil but a withdrawal will give them that opportunity.

If you think I'm a war monger or have no right to state this case, I am a former military officer and the husband of a 100% disabled Iraq vet. All of that will have been in vain if my children have to fight in Iraq. Let's go all out and finish this thing in the next few years. If we don't, our children won't be safe!

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Barbara F, Columbia, MD — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:51:26 GMT

To Down with Iraq: I guess you're a "Christian:"? That's laughable with what you just wrote. Shame on you. I bet Jesus wouldn't approve of that crap you just spewed.

To Ron Newell: you make it sound so GREAT!! We went in, fixed up the place, doing such a good deed! But how were the school, the utility companies, homes and hospitals destroyed in the first place? Oh that's right, but U.S. bombs.

Give me a break.

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Bob Moore East Kingston, NH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:54:02 GMT

For the soldiers that have replied, and relatives of servicemen and women overseas, I understand as best I can your commitment to your country and to your batallions, and the reason that soldiers want to return to Iraq if they come home wounded and need to be repaired. I don't think there are many people that would disagree with your commitment to serving when called to serve. It's honorable and you are following the mission that was handed you by your superiors. Nevertheless, our president and his staff of advisors decided to embark on a mission based on unsubstantiated evidence that Iraq was a threat to this country. And for that reason alone, 3600 U.S. servicemen and women have lost their lives, many other soldiers have come home wounded and psychologically scarred. The country of Iraq is in chaos, and people at best are confused why the U.S. is still there. This confusion is stirred up by propaganda distributed by power-seeking sects that are interested in controlling the country once the violence has quelled and the U.S. decides to leave).

When a war takes place in a country, who are you going to trust in the end? The people who lived in the country before an outside force decided to take down a dictator, or the forces that came into your country? War creates confusion, period - how are you suppose to earn trust? It is difficult to do with a gun in your hand! For the soldier who believes he was helping a village get back on their feet. God bless him. I'm sure the village is very thankful and your work is rewarding to you, and I hope you keep to that belief. I'm sure there are many other stories like this. But think of the psychological swing that a civilian has to go through in one's mind. Their is tension and stress in a war zone (some civilians may have lost relatives in the fighting) - and they can't come up with a good reason why their relatives died or their village is in turmoil. I wish people, especially in this country, could try to imagine what it would be like to lose a family member with little or no explanation why the familiy member was lost.

By the way,some of the people of Iraq have fled the country to avoid the violence. In a recent news release from Wahington,D.C. there are an estimated 800,000 Iraqi's that have fled the country just last year. For those of you who commented on the Iraqis wanting to kill each other, I guess these 800,000 don't fall under that category - maybe, just maybe they're looking for a safe place to live. See news release below:

WASHINGTON - The number of refugees worldwide increased by nearly 2 million last year, driving the total to nearly 14 million, the highest level since 2001, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants reported Wednesday.

The rise was due in part to a continued exodus from Iraq, where 790,000 people left last year. Syria took in 449,000 and Jordan 250,000, the private refugees committee said.

Some 80,000 went to Egypt, while the United States accepted 202 Iraqi refugees for resettlement.

The news article above is from an AP news release (7/11/07). It is interesting that for all the displaced civilians from Iraq, only 202 (out of upwards of 1 million) have been allowed legal entrance into the United States.

Bob

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Betty — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:56:25 GMT

Lorri in Orick I hear your pain. My son returned 4/1/07 from his third deployment, by the grace of God let yours come home too. I can't agree with this war, but I can't not support our service people either. If we as a nation truly want the madness to end then do something about it on November 4. It isn't just the president who is responsible for this mess, it is the whole elitist cadre of politicians currently in office. There were alot of things that could have been done differently but they weren't, our country acted as that same group of elitists saw fit. We can change foreign policy, we can change what is happening to our nation, on Nov 4. Stop blaming everyone else and place the blame where it truly belongs, with the apathetic voter. Anyone who was paying attention to the last two presidential elections could have told you what electing Mr. Bush would do to our country but we allowed the Florida fiasco then the Ohio fiasco to occur anyway. The war has occured we can't change that but maybe we can wake up and change the future. For the people by the people is the foundation of our society, but I don't think Tom, Ben, John, George, and the rest of the male white land owners who founded this country ever envisioned a culture that would be swayed by a person words instead of their actions. We need a hero, lets elect one. Bring our troops out of the danger zone. If as a nation we really feel that we must protect Iraq then put up a fence and lets get our service people out of danger. When the dust clears we will see what the Iraqi people really wanted. Our forefathers wanted freedom, they fought for it and won against incredible odds. If these men, women and children want to be free they will do the same. We cannot take care of the world, and we need to secure our borders and begin to worry about the people dying on the streets of our own country as violence, poverty, homelessness and hopelessness are sweeping through the less affluent neigborhoods in America. Children are returning from school to the broken car their family calls home to be alone without food or safety until their parents return from a day of trying to find food, shelter and work. Wake up America, the freedom that our sons and daughters are fighting for right now is only available to those families that can afford it. Quit trying to rationlize an irrational situation and work in your community to change this nation back into the shining beacon of hope it once was.

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Teri, Sacramento, California — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:56:45 GMT

How much have American taxpayers spent on this war? How much more will we have to spend? Couldn't that money be better spent taking care of our own in the U.S., the healthcare crisis, homeland security and tightening our borders? Bring our troops home before yet another life is lost @ the hands of Bush.

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Q Ardel, Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:56:55 GMT

I am a former Marine (served a Middle Eastern Tour), and a stout student on Ancient History focusing on the Roman Empire. The reason I became a Marine was to become a warrior like my predecessors before me. I am bothered to my core that this country is looking more and more like the fall of the Roman Empire. We have just as much political differences, power struggles, and a weakened military due to being spread too thin. All factors are what brought Rome down, and we need to stop becoming divided as a country with this Iraq war. Unfortunately there is not a situation like this in history to fall back on to learn how to get ourselves out, rather we are making history in the decisions we make that will shape the future of the world. Does being in Iraq stink? Yes. Is there another way? Unfortunately, no. The world was placed in a situation where non action would be worse that the action being currently carried out. The most modern example is the precursor to WW2. Hitler was not checked, and the world waited. I understand Iraq is different from Hitler, but not in the fanatical idealism that the Iraq's display. The sad fact is if we leave and the terrorists stay, the Middle East will be more unstable than it has been for a thousand years, and they will have a base of operations to carry out attacks against the world. We must prevail because the history of the world is in the balance. Out leaders need to unite to fight evil, instead of political power struggles and personal career, and financial interests. The death tolls that will come from defeat could be the human race, so these innocent civilians are collateral damage that is dying daily. So we must win to honor their lives, and for our own survival. (I sent this post yesterday and it is not posted yet. There is far less inteligent posts that went through with all points of perspective. My post is original and fact based. I am offended that you chose not to post this. Please post this comment. This is valid, good information that people need to hear, not just the screener.)

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Don Mc Odessa Tx — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:57:07 GMT

I agree with Jim McKee. We hav'nt had a war on our own soil since the civil war. Nothing would please them more thn to bring it to our front door!

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:59:10 GMT

Just pull the troops out, and nuke the whole region. From the nile to Afganistan.

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Largo, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:03:04 GMT

Well Kash. . .move to another country!

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Johnny Williams, Conroe, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:03:43 GMT

This is what happens when humans are allowed to claim that they "Speak for -insert whatever name you wish to call the Creator" - and then assert that they have the immutable 'Laws' that are applied with the use of force."

If the US wishes to stop the sectarian violence in Iraq...start at the top and kill the sectarian leaders...the Mongols used this approach...and...IT WORKED.

Islam is not a peaceful religion...never has been...it was started by a blood-thirsty madman and has been spread by the sword. Read history...what nation or group of people has ever "peacefully" adopted Islam? None that I can find. So much for it being peaceful.

You cannot reason or negotiate with them..for they consider it a sign of weakness..the Qur'an teaches them to do whatever it takes to gain enough power and the followers to start killing the infidels and keep on killing the infidels until they fall on their knees and praise Allah. Doesn't sound very peaceful to me.

One parting shot...you cannot "impose a democracy" on anyone...democracy is earned by the shedding of the patriots blood..as was done by our Ancestors. Apparently the Iraqi's are too "brain-washed" to identify the root cause of their problems - the teachings of their religious leaders. Our Founding Fathers did - which is why we have the first Amendment. I think they may have recalled the Salem Witch trials before setting pen to paper and writing our Bill of Rights.

Johnny, Texas

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John Cannon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:03:44 GMT

They're free now.

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Brenda, Indiana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:04:02 GMT

To Everyone,
No one person or one government is responsible for what is happening in Iraq. But it will happen again and again the world over until people learn to stop hating & educate themselves. Just look at the hate in one blog, now look around the world. ALL of us are responsible not just Iraqies, not just Americans, the world and their greed and hate. Please be part of the solution and not the problem; stop hating!

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Jim,Carbondale,Illinois — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:05:50 GMT

I can not beleive an American with all his freedom and sacrifices can compare America to Germany of WWII.The only ones that should be ashamed are the people on this blog not supporting their country men.Lets not forget about 911.

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Cheryl, Steubenville, OH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:11:54 GMT

anyone that can read should read the Bible and know that these people have fought since the beginning of time. Who are we (US) to tell a country how they should live. Do we want China or Russia coming to the US telling us that we should live a certain way or as other countries live!

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Andrew FT. HOOD TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:13:12 GMT

They would not have to worrie about being blowen up if they would start speaking up they know who does and does not belong in their towns most of the bombings are done by outsiders. They are getting killed because they are afraid to speak up so die by saying something and save others or die by the bomb you knew about but chose to say nothing.

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Charity, OH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:14:25 GMT

More than half the population wants something, they get it, no matter what. Can you imagine how disastrous that would be?

In reponse to the above by Keith...yes, I can imagine. Barely half of the U.S. population (and that's only the ones who bother to vote) elected Bush and look what we have gotten in the last 6 years. What could be a more accurate definition of disastrous that this administration.

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Jim Bowie — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:16:05 GMT

This is a terrible way to live. The trouble with are dealing with date back over 1000 years to the time of the crusades. Everyone is fighting over the middle east. This will continue until someone detonates a nuclear weapon. Iraq had to be stopped at all costs. Iran will be next etc etc. My God they just stoned a man and woman for having an affair. Forgot about the French- we really don't care of what they say because they are insignificant in trying to rid this world of people like Saddam. Hitler wasn't stopped and look at what he did. His regime was responsible for over 20 million deaths during WWII. People in time will look back and thank America for standing up to these selfish dictators who only want power and money.

If this doesn't work we should close our pocket books, borders, universities etc and let the rest of the world fight these Islamic idiots.

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Kyle B., Greenwood, South Carolina — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:20:27 GMT

Hey Frenchy, Saddam did not just kill 300. He killed more than 300,000 of his own subjects. Know what you are talking about before you blab your mouth. As for the rest of you. How many times must I say it. It is way past the point of who is right and wrong. It is way past who lied and who got us there. The fact is that we are there, and OUR US SOLDIERS are fighting. THats it. We need to devise a way not to lose face and win this war. Pull together, and support our troops. Write your congressmen. Or if you want us out, jump on the ball and organize groups and tell your congressmen.

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Doc, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:20:46 GMT

The only possible reason a pip-squeak enemy like Al-Qada would attack us on 9-11, was because they believed we eventually wouldn't have the stomach to fight back. (They saw Viet Nam) Many of us are now trying to prove them right.
Wake up America, and get your head out of the sand! A bunch of crazy Muslims have announced and began their
mission. They want to KILL YOU. DID YOU NOT HEAR THAT? War is hell. Soldiers will die in war. Nobody wants that to happen, but it will. Those who volunteered for service are trying to fix the problems that we all knew existed. Yet a bunch of ignorant liberals (who also approved this action) are now stirring the pot to make this a political issue. Whether we have yet found WMDs is irrelevant. No one ever claimed we went there with the primary intent to find WMDs. Those who use this as an excuse to bail should be regarded as flip-flopping opportunists who have no fix for the problem. Not finding WMDs is no reason to denigrate the efforts of our heroic citizens over there, either. Hitler was much less a threat to us than this bunch of idiot Muslims, yet no one can say the world is not a better place without him and his ideals. Japan, like the radical Muslims started a fight, lost a lot of innocent civilians in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. But they too, got the point. When you have termites you have to fix the problem, or your house will eventually fall upon you.

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Rick. SA.TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:23:06 GMT

To D.K. West Hollywood

To give a little historic perspective on those nasty old Republicans causing all these wars.

WARS
War of 1812 President Madison Democrat
Mexican American War President Polk Democrat
Spanish American War President McKinley Republican
WW I President Wilson Democrat
WW II President Roosevelt Democrat
Truman Democrat

Civil War President Lincoln Republican

CONFLICTS
Korea President Truman Democrat
Vietnam President Kennedy Democrat
Johnson Democrat
Nixon Republican
Desert Storm President Bush Sr Republican
Afghanistan President Bush Jr Republican
Iraq President Bush Jr Republican

Please check your history before you start typing.

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adam Johnson City,TN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:23:52 GMT

It is not our fault that all this innocent civilians are being killed in Iraq. It is not their fault either. It is Iran and Syria who are killing the innocent people and that can't be denied. thousands of their soldiers have been killed in Iraq by US and Iraqi soldiers and just as many captured or wounded.

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bj - Springfield, MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:24:51 GMT

Bush, Cheney, Rove and all the rest of their criminal buddies need to be tried at the Hague. Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see this happen. They have too many friends in high places.

It appears to me that they are beginning to show their "f%#@ you" mentality. They do not give a shit what the majority of Americans say. Unless you line their pockets with money, (lots of money) you don't mean jack squat to these people. They think of you like a fly buzzing around their asses. They swat you away and continue on.

Until Americans wake up and realize the "two party" joke in this country is doing nothing but dividing us, things will only get worse, regardless of who is "elected" president, Dem or Repub. None of them give a shit about you or me or your kids or your neighbors kids or anyone. They only care about themselves, their butt buddies and all the money they have accumulated (likely illegitimately). Regardless of what lies they spew out to us, they all seem to have the same agenda once they are elected - ignore and screw the middle class and the poor. The future of this country looks very, very bleak.

I feel very sorry for anyone who has kids. What exactly do you tell them about this once great nation? "We live in a free nation, but...we no longer have any rights; the government can listen in on your phone conversations anytime they so desire and confiscate all your phone, internet and medical records as they please. But, you can go to the mall and spend, spend, spend!"

Child: "Mommy, what is the constitution and the bill of rights?"
Mother: "Where did you hear those words, honey?"
Child: "Some kids were talking about it at school."
Mother: "Well, they were things we used to have in this country that ensured the government wouldn't become too powerfull and guaranteed all citizens to have certain rights, but they were abolished back around the turn of the century. It was necessary for us to remain 'secure' from the 'evil-doers'."

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BOB TRIM — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:26:06 GMT

Hey folks, wake up! We need the OIL and therefore need to occupy the Middle East. If we're not there, it'll be some other joker (like IRAN)or Syria. Or even worse Bin Ladens bunch.
Our civilization as we know it will PERISH without the Oil fields. I hate like hell to have to tell my kids that they had better shop around for some (prayer rugs)
I say, get it over with. NUKE the entire lot of them. It's after all another Crusades isn't it? Can you immagine what the next generation of children that have been brought up to HATE Americans are going to do to our kids.
LETS BE A ONE TIME SHOPPER AND STOP PUSSY FOOTING AROUND. OUR SURVIVAL IS AT STAKE.

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M J, Lexington, ky — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:27:17 GMT

If we as Americans can not see that the Muslim extremist must be stopped, then who do we blame when the beheadings start on our homeland or when we watch as our families are blown out of buildings. Its a war and our ancestors were there to protect and give us what we now enjoy, should we just sit back and wish it to all go away.

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Brian, Missouri — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:44 GMT

Everything with the US involvement in the Middle East is falling out of perspective. Have we forgot that we also have troops in Afghanistan and for what reason now? When it all started it was to hunt down Osama bin Laden. We've been in Afghanistan longer than Iraq and have yet to find the Al Qaida leader. I served this country for a year in Iraq. Our progress is two steps forward and THREE steps BACK. We live under a government that is supposed to be for the people, by the people, if anybody recalls their OWN country's history laid down by our Founding Fathers. OUR People want our troops to come home. Our ELECTED congressmen want our troops home, hence the bill that is gaining support in Congress to have a complete end in combat no later than April 2008. From what I am seeing with executive powers being initiated and vows being set forth to Veto any troop withdrawl bills that pass the House and Senate, which by the way are the men and women who run the government for us, elected from our very own communities; I am seeing an individual bent upon his OWN agenda, and not the interests of the American People.

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hippy killer — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:38:41 GMT

just a thought
KILL the poor
and the world will be just so perfect and clean
those people smell funny and nont look quite right anyway

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more bored — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:41:24 GMT

Charles - this a political blog. You are not supposed to speak the truth or slap us in the face with reality, that's like cheating. A draft is indeed the answer but it will never happen, no one will call on us to ration gas or sugar, no one will suggest planting victory gardens or saving rubber bands for the war effort. No Americans will build Liberty ships or invent new technology. We will outsource what we can, import the rest and whine about the expense. That's why we bought ourselves an all volunteer army. Plus some magnetic yellow ribbons made so thoughtfully for us by the Chinese (to keep the cost down for us). Remember, when Bush led his volunteer army into this war he told the rest of us to go shopping and amuse oursleves, so we are trying our best to stay entertained.

Iraq is toast - no one cares anymore. The time for military success has come and gone. Squandered. This place will self immolate and make Baghdad look like Disneyland if the draft is ever re-instated. We're just too advanced a society and soon will dump the whole volunteer army gig and just buy us some mercenaries.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

tvb... Bordentown NJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:42:36 GMT

War is war. We had better stick it out there in Iraq, let their streets run red.. They are the ones who chose to start killing the US military.. The loss of life comes from themselves.. However, the loss of "innocents" is low, comparatively speaking.. The tide is turning in Baghdad, we are kicking Al Qaeda Azz and terrorists from around the globe are going there to fight the US, who represents the western world.. (since the rest of the west is to lame and meek to defend themselves).. its on.. The Muslims have been chomping at the bit for better than 30 years to get us to bite.. I support the WOT 110%.. God bless America ... We are 100% right to be exactly where we are at.. it isnt about "innocents".. We had 3000 of them murdered in 2001 and hundreds more before that.. Let them go to Iraq.. Uncle Sams got somthing for them.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

J.C. Cincinnati, OH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:45:05 GMT

I joined the Army months before 9/11 happened. I knew when I signed up that if the call came I would have to go. Now to all those crying over their sons/daughters/whoever being there, STOP. Support them, show them that you love them in every way possible and tell them you are proud of them for what they are doing. Don't go around and say you are mad they are serving their country in the way they signed up for. The military isn't all sunshine and butterflies. If you think it is then you are not living in any type of reality. As For those who say pull out now, there won't be a civil war. There will be an invasion and a war over who will control Iraq. Probably between Syria and Iran. Seeing as how those are the people we are fighting. Not the Iraqis. Mostly the Iraqis are doing what they've always done, killed each other because of religious intolerance. They won't forgive and forget overnight. It will take quite some time for them to live together peacefully, and until we've trained enough of them to defend their own country there is no leaving. As for those who say it's all about the oil. Have you looked at gas prices recently or are you too busy living in your cave? If we were there for oil we would have it and have much cheaper prices for gas. Basically what I'm trying to say is if you don't have any experience in the matter keep your thoughts to yourself. I was over there for a year, so I have some knowledge about what's really going on. Hope I put it in a way most of you can understand. Especially the French. :P

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Betty congdon Jax Fla — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:47:24 GMT

People are people, and we get blessed with our children, we have no right to put any one in arm,s way, otherwise we have not changed in our year,s of history, I question alot myself , and we are not the great they put off if we were how did 258 gun,s only for protection did our men have only in thy beginning,and that is thy TRUTH, That just hit news from there reporter, WE all are suppose to protect thy innocence of others god loves the whole world not half of anything, Mother mary must have felt thy same thing at the blood stained cross, we all go threw but when we lie and do not cover with a plan and we act like we got it together look at Hurricane Katrina victim,s , befor 911 our city ran a invasion reaction on to buildings, helo.s stones coming off the roof top,s we knew nothing until it bwas over. all thy nyears and we do that 1-2 week,s prior to 911 come on is it about us I say No, If they had dot to dot warnings but said they didn,t make sense I know one guy kept trying to tell them have we forgotten that, Some thing,s shouldn,t be said for saftey but I don,t think about the diease that hasn,t preseanted it self from human to human only chicken infected that was told to radios or tv that Bush has signed the papers for us to all be quarintined 2 month,s or more ,other word,s shut down , I believe we should for saftey but let people know not just on the site for thy diease, Starvation, fight,s if we all don,t know .we need to make sure it get,s out, WE don,t fail to succeed we fail to plan. I think our men and woman have gone threw----- nopt having what they needed and to be sitting duck,s is wrong, If you look under fbi we have an american citizen they are looking for, so many even a police officer we are a mess no doubt, they divide Isreal we are then in thy armagaden our times we made but our power there power is foolish. Protect we all should it,s normal otherwise we are like thy crazy off the wall 911 nut,s that didn,t care either god,s time not our,s.God bless everyone and the mind,s that they have a heart not to think of oil, power, money, or play god do thy right thing it could be our own and I know our people over there are going threw some heart stabbing feeling of hell also.God bless the whole wide world I pray.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

OpenYourEyes — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:50:11 GMT

Colin Powell: you break it you own it!!!
Bush: Great!! it could be the 49th state added to the union...
Colin Powell: Geez...

I get tired of people saying they want to rule the world like Hitler....who is they? then you hear Al-Qada...
You can trust it that if Al-Qada (those 23 guys) were the only problem, once we leave the Iraqi people would crush Al-Qada within minutes. Because as the Military commanders say (the real Military NOT fox news experts) Al-Qada accounts for about 1% of the killings in Iraq. And yes Mr. Cheney Al-Qada was NEVER there until we invaded.

And then you hear stupidity like we removed a brutual dictator...that's nice but why the Iraqi people who are suffering now say "...we hated Saadam but at least it WAS BETTER THEN THAN IT IS NOW..."

You see it's a simple solution:
- Say you sorry
- Return the billions proliferate, that includes Haliburton
- Remove the contractors (mercenaries) who account for 60% of total forces
- Tell the Saudis to stop butting in ... yeah it's the Saudis NOT Iran
- Stop demanding that the Iraqi OIL be controlled by foreign investors (pirates)

What will happen is the Iraqis will tell Al-Qada go home, they will ensure that corrupt officials are dealt with (no more Chalibi's - Bush boy), and as far as it being annexed by Iran --- oh please!!! think of it... Iraq was at war with Iran for more than 8 yrs. Do you really think that only Sunnis were fighting against Iran? Don't be dumb... Shias and Sunnis fought side-by-side because of Nationality. Yeah they hated the dictator but they knew they were Iraqi's first.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Victor S. Torrance, CA. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:58:27 GMT

It's interesting to see some folks say that America is in Iraq to "help" the Iraqi people. The reality is that our government wished to pursue their own interests there. However, in regards to the bodies of the slain, of the innocents, as harsh as it may sound their pain and worry is over. Those left behind are the ones that are faced with the decisions of a government they have no say in.....ours! The bottom line is that it seems from my perspective that our country suffers from a lack of accountablity. They may have been fighting each other for many generations but they are fighting each other now becuase of the actions of the US government destabilizing their nation, there in creating a power vacuum. We can justify any way we want to make ourselves feel better but the truth is normally pretty simple and sometimes hard to swallow!

One more thing when I see folks saying "America should help the innocent people of wherever...." I would suggest to perhaps not consider America to be a person with emotions and morality, this is a country governed by people that have agenda's. And while people may have feelings entities do not and our government is an entity not a person.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Anti-Sheep — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:58:32 GMT

To Francois Bechard, Paris, France and the ones who are whining about us invading Iraq. Regardless of the reason why you think we invaded Iraq. That asshole Saddam and his ,thrice more evil than their father, sons, are dead. Several hundred thousand people are dead because of them. Did you know his sons had tigers and lions that they fed live people to? Or were you aware they would pick women up off the street and rape and torture them to death? Try some independent thoughts for once. Baa!! Stupid Sheep.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Nancy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:58:58 GMT

Nothing will get done in Irag until people realize this is a spritual war Americans expect them to think and act like us but they are not trained that way life is not important to them it is the cause they fight among their self for ideal reason they think less of human life than we were brought up to believe How many people know that Irag was were the garden of eden was located

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Betty congdon Jax Fla — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:00:57 GMT

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Betty congdon Jax Fla — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:08:03 GMT

We talk about religon every where and what do we do we seperate and rules of what we think, we fight , fight for GOD,S KINGDOM NOT RELIGON< it,s his kingdom and wwe are lucky now what are our choices of right and wrong. We are all learning and hopefully we can say when we do wrong, That,s all of us. What don,t we know a whole lot I imagine. so many excuses even Hurricane Katrina, senseless because we had none.......

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Jane, CT. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:11:40 GMT

The amount of self-delusion that Americans indulge in is stupendous. Gray from NY commented that France was collaborating with Saddam. How about US support of Saddam? Back in the 50's, the US helped a young army officer named Saddam depose the elected Govt in a coup. We have photographs of Rumsfeld shaking Saddam's hand. We instigated the Iran-Iraq war and helped Saddam to defeat the Iranians. Do people think the rest of the world doesn't know this history? Do people still believe that there were any WMD's in Iraq?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Janet Pompei Toms River, NJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:19:14 GMT

I do feel for the innocent Iraqi people. But, they have to stand up and report any terrorist activities in their own community. I have heard that some Iraqis who work with our soldiers know when an attack is to occur. They don't show for work on the day of an attack. They smile in the faces of our soldiers and say nothing when they know an attack is eminent. Their culture is so different from ours. We will never understand their ability to kill innocent people on purpose along with themselves as suicide bombers. As Americans we are raised to respect life and to protect innocence. We will never convince them to think like us as we will never think like them. Congress must act to SECURE OUR BORDERS or these murdering savages will make their way into our country and pull another 9/11. Build a fence and send our soldiers to the borders of our country to stop the influx of illegals. I don't want my hometown to look like Bagdad.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

JIM HOUSTON , TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:19:40 GMT

ALOT OF YOU ACT LIKE THESE MUSLIM ON MUSLIM KILLINGS
WERE BROUGHT ON BY THE IRAQ INVASION. THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLING EACH OTHER FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS.
IT'S HARD TO SAY OR UNDERSTAND BUT IT'S PART OF THIER CULTURE. READ THIER LAWS , LISTEN TO THIER RELIGOUS LEADERS , WATCH ANY OF THIER PROTEST AND COUNT THE NUMBER OF FATHERS WHO ARE CARRYING THIER YOUNG SONS ON THIER SHOULDERS WHILE FIRING GUNS IN THE AIR. IT'S A VIOLENT LIFE THATS PASSED FROM FATHER TO SON AND VALIDATED BY THIER RELIGOUS LEADERS. THERE WILL NEVER BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. NEVER

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Gabe, KCMO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:23:38 GMT

What's the deal with everyone blaming George Bush. The Bill that gave him authority to use his power to depose of a vicious dictator was given to him by Congress. Democrats and Republicans alike. Now that many don't like the course this war is taking, they want to blame someone else, cut and run. What would've happened if we decided to "cut and run" in WWII (the French would be speaking German and I wouldn't be upset about that in the least bit). Anyways, everyone quit blaming eachother for the problem and lets come up with a good way to fix it. It seems like so many people are occupying their time with investigations, so they can place blame, when we should all be collectively thinking of a way to fix this thing. Come on people, we are all Americans(well except for Francois and we don't want him anyways).

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Sarge Salem, Oregon — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:25:06 GMT

Iraq was given the greatest gift of all and they are throwing it down the toilet, freedom baby

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Richard Kanseah, Lihue. Hawaii — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:30:11 GMT

Having read the read the postings present, I do agree that America needs to contain and protects its borders, to not extend or offer towards the borders of others, is a double edged proposition. Liberation of a tyrant, yes this is commendable, to have industry appear the only winner in such a mess, equally shameful. What others do to there own is a shame and even appears barbaric, so question posed, what do we do as a influential nation? seal off our bourders and deny immigration? not so far fetched a notion, only to revert to an isolationist era. This mess in Iraq, was forwarned prior to the so called liberation, it is playing out as many ' analyst' predicted. I say withdraw, bring our own home, and prepare and deal with any intrusion or threat which attempts to makes its way here home, then this way, no holds barred, squash it like a bug

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Teufel Eldritch — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:34:12 GMT

The USA should withdraw all support for countries that are not in the western hemisphere.

Charity begins at home. We should take care of our own first, our immediate neighbors second, & people in the general neighborhood third.

New World > Old World

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Dee East, Nowhere, Alabama — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:36:00 GMT

To whom so ever that it is not one hundred percent clear where and how all this MESS in Iraq and the Middle East got started in so far as the USA is involved, as it now is, you have to be braindead. Most of OUR nation's troubles in the Middle East, and Iraq in particular, have begun and increased incessantly ever since the Supreme Court appointed G.W. Bush as our so-called President!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Tina. Columbia heights,MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:37:11 GMT

I honestly believe that if this war or so called war wasn't going on, there wouldn't be any people dying. We would just be living our lives the way we should be and not bother others. I am ashamed to know that so many of our service men and women have had to endure so much tragedy.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Rev. V M R, Berkeley CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:38:52 GMT

America did not "free" anybody. Freedom can be taken but never granted. If a people did not "free" themselves no one can MAKE them free.

Also, lets clarify this. America was not acting "heroicly" - We just want their oil.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

andy, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:39:45 GMT

The innocent nameless and faceless Iraqis first started to die because of the American Stealth bombers, the 5000lb bombs, cruise missiles, and daisy cutters. They did not ask for it. In every country people die because of their internal affair. The Emperer has no clue. He is fighting terror with terror, all over the world with no palpable goal. He has nothing show to American (97 % are drowning in debt and commuting to pay off debt and they truly don't know the fact about rest of the world or don't care)for except crying security!

Unfortunately our brave soldiers (instead of truly guarding the border) are being used as the instrument of American terror in foreign countries. Here are few of the American terror masterminds (R Pearl, P Wolfowitch, D Cheneye, C Powell, C rice, D Rummy and Heritage Foundation and many more. They are making money in the lecture circuit. Idiot George cannot be in this category. Because he does not have a brain.

Pardon any spelling error.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

tony,toronto,ca — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:42:59 GMT

extremely suprising to read all the pro-usa comments posted. it was the u.s. who attacked and killed the first 30,000-50,000 iraqis, ever wonder about them. it was the u.s. who decided to that saddam hussein had killed SO MANY iraqis that it had to free iraq. i did not remember seeing one iraqi-led pro-war demonstration happen in the u.s. or the rest of the free world HMM. americans are americans buch of dumb hypocrits.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

b, Atlanta, Ga — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:44:07 GMT

I'm beginning to wonder if Muslims can live in peace at all! Is the Valley of Peace cemetary the only place in Iraq where Muslims don't kill eachother for the simple reason that they are already dead? I will maintain a glimmer of hope that they will bury their ancient feud with those that lost their lives because of it, it's time for peace.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

linda idah0o falls idaho — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:46:23 GMT

I feel once we got saddam we should have packed up and got out ,they want to kill each other let them be . I am sorry to say but not all muslims are bad ,I had a muslim exchange student in my home and grew to love him very much ,he is from Indonesia very respectful people . I have had several family members go to iraq and it not all they tell us from washington .Why is it bush has not spent more time over there with our troops ? I will not support this war ,but will with my whole heart support our troops .And thanks to all of you that voted for bush not once but twice look what he has done to us .His father would have never never put us in this situation .

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Matithyahu Meir — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:46:59 GMT

"Wake up people we brought this civil war on these people with our arrogance and need for oil. This is what we reduced these people too."
Richard, panama City Beach,Fl

you apparently have no idea about how the 2 muslim factions have been killing eachother for over the last 1400 years.

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A E Mouat, Gainesville, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:55:05 GMT

J Blackhurst - "Why would anyone care what a Frenchman thinks anyway, I do not know." For that ignorant comment alone, I brand *you* a moron, too, Sir.

However, according to Wikipedia, an estimated 200,000 people died under Saddam (not including the Iran/Iraq War). According to CNN as of October 2006, 655,000 people have died as a result of the Iraq War.

"To put these numbers in context, deaths are occurring in Iraq now at a rate more than three times that from before the invasion of March 2003," he said."

http://www.countercurrents.org/iraq-bor121006.htm

"To estimate deaths for this week's report, the Hopkins group recruited Iraqi doctors to conduct household surveys in 47 neighborhood clusters across Iraq that contained 1,849 households and 12,801 people. The doctors asked family members to report births, deaths and the movement of people into and out of their households.

When people reported deaths, researchers asked them about the cause and obtained death certificates in 92 percent of cases. The data were then projected onto the entire nation, about 26 million people."

So, in the end there are no hard numbers either way - though there is a general consensus that Bush II's 30,000-50,000 death estimate of Iraqis is also not creditable.

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Tina, Lexington, KY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:55:20 GMT

Tom W, Canton, MI - I disagree with your first statement completely. You CAN support the troops and not the war. I'm an AF veteran, as is my ex. Both of my parents were AF vets. My ex's dad was Army. Our oldest is currently in the Navy and our youngest will join him on Nov 1st. I could go on for paragraph after paragraph about why I am against this war and have been from the beginning and why I think our current president and his closest advisors are a bunch of money-grubbing, power-hungry, Constitution-ignoring liars but I doubt very sincerely that it would make a bit of difference to your worldview or the worldview of anyone else that believes as you do. So I'll just say that as a vet and the parent of 1 active-duty member and 1 soon-to-be active-duty member, I support our troops receiving a living wage with cost-of-living increases on a regular basis so that they don't have to go on WIC and/or food stamps to feed their families (and yes, a LOT of enlisted members have to do just that). I support our troops receiving the medical attention they need and DESERVE when they come home physically and emotionally injured from this fiasco. I support our Guard troops not being medically-discharged for said injuries and then told they don't qualify to be able to use the VA. I support our troops with PTSD and suicidal thoughts NOT being put on waiting lists until it becomes a moot point because they've killed themselves or killed/hurt someone else. I support our troops NOT being sent back for tour after tour to Afghanistan and Iraq as in the case of http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070907T.shtml. So, in response to your statement, I say you are beyond wrong. It is completely possible to support the troops and NOT support this war.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

ROSE MCGRIFF, MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:59:15 GMT

we should have never closed down all of the miltary bases we have here in the usa,,,,we need to have these bases open and active. the hell with how much it cost TO RUN AND PAY OUR PEOPLE TO TRAIN THEIR-.when we have ememergecy here at home we need the miltary to help us! ect weather disaster,fires and for the unpredictable. when we need help we have to pull our people from other sources to help us. i say it again OPEN UP OUR MILTARY BASES AND STOP LEAVING US DEFENSIVLESS!

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James, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:03:49 GMT

We should leave Iraq and let the Sunni Sect defeat the Sheite fanatics.

A Sunni controled nation would be a counter balance to the large Sheite dominated nations in that region.

If the Sheites win - the world might see a large block of fanatics from that part of the world that are united against us.

Without US support the Sheites would loose the civil war that is already in progress in Iraq.

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Rose Ernst — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:06:44 GMT

the u.s. has been pressuring the iraqis for contracts to lease the oil wells (in reality OWN them for a huge number of years)and all the major oil companies are waiting on this. when they get it, bushco will drop iraq faster than u can swat a knat. faster than cheney can down a beer before loading his rifle for a quail hunt. but the iraqis are stalling. and will continue to do so. i do believe they want to nationalize the oil wells. there are trillions $$$ to be made for that oil. so there is no price high enough that they would take and give that up. bushco will have to kill every last one of them to get what they want. and that actually might happen.
i will be extremely surprised if this makes it through the filter and is posted.

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James, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:07:17 GMT

The answer lies in diplomacy

------------------------------

Please send me your paycheck for the next 10 years.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Phil, Gary, Indiana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:07:36 GMT

I have a solution:

Dig a large trench along the Mexico / US border...then take the dirt from the trench and rebuild the levies in Louisiana. Finally, take all of the aligators and water from the hurricane within the southern US and fill the trench along the Mexican border.

In the meantime, nuke Iraq and then let's think of how we are going to solve this problem...

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Sean, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:07:38 GMT

Alright, this war has very little in common with World War II in almost all respects. No war fought by the US was done for the necessary betterment of mankind. People yell "We removed the Nazis and the Japanese from power! They were killing millions!" Yes, they were and we did, but only after an American economic depression, Nazi Germany took strategic control of Europe and Imperial Japan tried to seize control of the Pacific Ocean did the US decide to go to war. The US was being left out as a major power in the world and Roosevelt didn't like that. However at least that President was able to match up humanitarian goals with strategic objective.

Is any war fought for humanitarian reasons? No. Iraq wasn't invaded to "free the Iraqi people" from Saddam; that was always at most a tertiary reasoning. People say "Iraqis were being killed by Saddam..." And guess what, 250-500k of them have died as a result of this war - Bush's War, as it should aptly be called - and the violence that has occurred since. At least under Saddam there was constant electricity flowing in the cities.

Please, Iraq had existed as a buffer state against Iran since 1979 and esp. after the first Gulf War. TO say the US invaded to "free the Iraqi people" is just stupid. Why isn't half of Africa under US control? Because there's not much there of any strategic interest to the US? In the fact of actually confirmed facts about an totalitarian regime that truly subjugates and terrorizes its people and does contain WMDs, why was Iraq invaded over North Korea?

For all the crap this President has pulled, Americans like to compare our soldiers' service to that of World War II. It's shameful. At least fighting in WW2 they had a true purpose (even if Roosevelt was full of crap when saying the US wanted to free the world, US intervention still served the purpose), in Iraq our soldiers are just being slaughtered for what?

Besides, what's with the hatred of France?

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Rose Ernst, New Orleans, LA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:10:53 GMT

the u.s. has been pressuring the iraqis for contracts to lease the oil wells (in reality OWN them for a huge number of years)and all the major u.s. oil companies are waiting on this, including the british. when they get it, bushco will drop iraq faster than u can swat a knat. faster than cheney can down a beer before loading his rifle for a quail hunt. but the iraqis are stalling. and will continue to do so. i do believe they want to nationalize the oil wells. there are trillions $$$ to be made for that oil. so there is no price high enough that they would take and give that up. bushco will have to kill every last one of them to get what they want. and that actually might happen.
i will be extremely surprised if this makes it through the filter and is posted.

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James, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:11:25 GMT

Whats heart breaking is millions of you Americans still believe Iraq and Islam have a hidden agenda to destroy you.
---------------------------------------------------

Attacks like 9/11 tend to cause people to think like that. It is sad that the people of Islam don't see that.

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dale, texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:12:49 GMT

Kash,

If you only knew what you were talking about. Maybe you would be better off being a citizen of another country.

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Bill wheeling, WV — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:14:39 GMT

After 911 this war was favorable. Bush did not singal handedly send in the troups other politicians had a hand in the decision also. Now the war has carried on to long and popularity is dropping the politicians and americans are putting the blame solely on the president. Hope it gets them the votes in 2008. not

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Henry Anderson, Houston, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:15:55 GMT

For me, this article brought about a new viewpoint on what's happening in the middle east- I had always known about the deaths and violence (and from my viewpoint, it's at least partially due to our presence and actions), yet had never really put thought to what happens to the dead- and that they are carried to the Valley of Peace shows the Iraqis' dedication to their dead, or at least that they are doing something amongst themsevles. Many people that I have comeinto contact with seem to think all Iraqis or middle easterners are American-hating terrorists, but for me, this videohardened my position against that view; if over a hundred people die every single day, and there are families mourning for their dead loved ones, and workers who prepare and bury the dead, then anyone able to critically analyze facts should see that the vast majority of Iraqis are innocent, and many of them victims.

Also, with no intention of sounding racist, no one should really be surprised at the violence in that area; if you look at the history of the area, there have been wars and there has been violence for millenia; and the US decided to stick our neck into it, all on the basis that Saddam had WMD's- nothing more than he had them. A horrible reason, in my opinion.

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James, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:21:49 GMT

The American voter has been upset with Democrat politicans who voted for the Iraq war and now oppose it.

What about all those Republicans who voted for the war and now oppose it? It was their party who was in complete control - they could have stopped the war before it started.

I will vote Democrat for both Congress and President in the next election - no matter who the Democrats run for office.

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Lee Boston MA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:07 GMT

First of all, the U.S. armed Saddam Hussein, even gave him biological and chemical weapons to fight our war against Iran during the Iran-Iraq war. We set up Hussein so he could keep the Soviets out of Iraq. The CIA set up Al Qaeda and put Osama bin Laden in charge in Afganistan for the same reason. The Bush's, the bin Ladens, & the Saudi crown prince have been friends and business partners for at least 25 yrs. This war in Iraq was created by Cheney & his neo-con friends back in 1992 (Google "Project for a New American Century" and READ IT. It is a doctrine for U.S. world supremacy, and Bush is following the plan perfectly).

Daddy Bush was supposed to go thru with the plan during the Gulf War but didn't feel that he could convince the American people to get into a prolonged conflict at that time. 9/11 gave Bush & friends the reason they needed to convince Americans to go into war, even though Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11, and in fact Saddam was totally opposed to bin Laden and his extremism. That's why there WAS NO Al Qaeda in Iraq prior to our invasion.

Make no mistake, Bush & friends love this war. They are feeding it. Our government is selling weapons to the "insurgents" so Bush can convince Americans to stay there. Why did we build the biggest embassy in the world in Baghdad if we were planning on leaving? Why did Bush not have an exit plan? Leaving Iraq was never part of the plan. The neo-cons (this does not mean Republican, because Republicans care about America, neo-cons do not) picked Iraq to invade 1st because it was the weakest country in the Middle East and has oil. They knew there were no WMD because our people oversaw the destruction of all of those weapons in the 90's. We were always doing fly-by's so we knew exactly what was going on there.

This war in Iraq is Bush & Cheney's doing, all the way. They have broken laws and treaties with their extradition of "enemy combatants" and Rumsfeld's OK for the terrible torture used against these prisoners, most of whom are innocents picked up on the streets by thugs hired by the U.S. The more people they brought in, the more money they made.

Some say Hussein killed whole villages of people. In fact, the U.S. military has done the same. It is not the fault of our soldiers because they are told to bomb villages that they are told have Al Qaeda. Leaflets are dropped so everybody will come out of their homes to see what it is, then they bomb them, killing everyone. Who is the terrorist here? We are, and make no mistake about it.

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SGT. Tran CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:33 GMT

Hey Al S. from Phoenix, Az. It pisses me off when people like you say that BS when my men and i have gone there and do what we can to help the Iraqis. You have no right to say crap like that while you sit at home with your a/c on, watch tv, or do whatever it is you do. As for the innocent victims that have died from such aggression continues on from many extremists that are a threat. We do what we can to aid them and let them sleep peacefully at least one night that they dont have to worry bout being killed.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Demopublican, Seattle, WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:31:47 GMT

Would love to hear more from our soldiers that are there. Thank you for taking the time and sending us first hand testimonies about what is going on. May you be blessed for your part in protecting our freedoms in this broken and oppressed world. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that you will be used to bring healing and freedom in the area you are serving. We pray for love,truth and justice.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

James, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:36:24 GMT

People are finally getting wise to the Conservative crap that has been ruining this country for almost ten years now.

Like the Pope these fools have alienated almost every person and group in this country. They have divided the population to a degree that has not been seen in this country since the Vietman War. Like the Muslims - they have demanded - its our way or no way. They have used terrior tactics, dirty politics, etc to get their candidates elected to office. Think God! The American People have now gotten wise to that. God hates a Conservative.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Rick. SA.TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:01:08 GMT

To James:
I suppose it is your contention that Vietnam was started by conservatives. If you would but check it started under J. F. Kennedy.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Disgusted Citizen, Redneckville, Alabama — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:12:27 GMT

When all those troops "volunteered" I feel certain that they were thinking and wholeheartedly believing that they were serving an honourable nation with honorable intention and under a president who would be at least as honest and honorable as his prior predecessors were. NOW, they REALIZE that this is certainly NOT THE CASE...yet they are BOUND to serve an evil that they NEVER volunteered for! I don't THINK SO!!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Disgusted! — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:38:01 GMT

Yes, I'm sure that the troops over in Iraq are doing what they can to help the Iraqis however they are able to do so...BUT, the fact that the "leaders" (HA!) in the USA are responsible for a heckuva lot of the misery in Iraq is something that is beyond any of the troops control. They (troops) have a right to feel PROUD that they are honestly trying to help poor downtrodden victims of EVIL selfish "leaders" in the world, but they are beyond DUMB if they don't understand that they, as well as the average citizens of their own nation, are being CONNED into participating in an agenda that is anything but honorable! I feel that there should be NO need for this to be even verbalized---IT SHOULD BE BLATANTLY OBVIOUS to ANYONE WITH with even a half of an excuse for an actual BRAIN!! MY GOD, no one could be so stupid as to believe that this Iraq war was meant for, or has, or ever will result in any kind of positive outcome for humanity of any nation of earth! People use your heads for something other than hat racks!!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

peter — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:43:14 GMT

The USA has never won a war they went into on there own . They don't HAVE THE STAMANA!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

get a clue — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:14:28 GMT

Nancy, say what you want about Bush, but he is keeping it under control. I believe our country would be far worse off if Kerry or Gore had ever been elected. However, there is no way to prove that, is there?

I can't believe some think Iraq would be better off if Sadam were still there? Maybe we should have left Hitler in charge of Germany/Europe as well.

And most of us do not have a clue what is truth and what are lies. There is so much corruption in politics (all levels) and liberal media. One of the few sources I give credibility to is those who have been there or their families. Bless them!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Scott, Vancouver, WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:31:53 GMT

It was a mistake to invade Iraq. Not for the moral reasons that some would have us believe, but because the outcome was inevitable. You had an un-natural grouping of three major enthic groups combined into a so-called country after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire by the British and other world powers. There never was a Iraqi nationalism, only a mini-empire of Sunis, Shia abd Kurds controlled by a King or dictator. Anyone with half a brain ( leaving out most of those in the current administration)who advocated the invasion of Iraq should have easily understood that the only way it would end was in civil war. I am no genius, but I certainly knew in early '03 that our president had painted us into a corner with no way to escape with our integrety intact and our soldiers lives and our tax dollars being thrown away.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Charlie, Little Elm, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:35:21 GMT

1. Democracies get the governments they deserve.
2. The American public elected Bush TWICE! I don't support the democrats or the republicans...they're both totally broken....but everyone should have seen through the BS that Bush campaigned on.
3. Bush has never really told the American people why he invaded Iraq. I don't believe it was about oil or WMD's....I think the real truth is that he wanted to prove an academic point with his father. Bush, like the dim-witted uncultured spoiled rich kid that he is, thought his father should have gone on to Baghdad after liberating Kuwait. He blamed his father for the decade of no-fly zone enforcement over Iraq. He got sucked into the neo-conservative BS about how the job wasn't finished after the first gulf war.
4. Bush didn't believe the American people would go along with his reasoning for this war so he pushed the WMD angle. He knew that Saddam couldn't back down because in the Middle East, if you back down you're percieved as weak and you get overthrown. Bush set Saddam up for a big fall. Bush also set himself up because he violated the first rule of warfare: NEVER INITIATE A WAR THAT YOUR PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE WILL TO FIGHT.
5. Bush surrounded himself with people who only shared his vision. He set circumstances for GROUP THINK where everyone was convinced of only one possible outcome for this invasion. Anyone who dissented was voted a non-team-player and was soon out of the administration. In the end, Bush was his own worst enemy. As John Wayne said, "life is hard, but it's a whole lot harder when you're stupid".
6. Bush sent only a fraction of the require force to hold Iraq. We sent 500,000 to liberate Kuwait, but only 140,000 to hold Iraq. He ignored his obligation to have a plan B in case things went poorly. He was sure we'd be seen as heros. Now, because of his administration's poor planning, we're in a mess, our credability in the world is shot and our enemies no longer respect our strength and America is getting sucked into a far more dangerous and open-ended war than we ever imagined.
7. The solution: OUR ALL VOLUNTEER MILITARY WAS NOT DESIGNED TO FIGHT A SUSTAINED WAR WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF A CIVILIAN DRAFT.
8. WAR 101: OVERWHELM THE ENEMY....WE NEED TO SEND A LOT MORE TROOPS....500,000 TROOPS WOULD ALLOW US TO TAKE BACK THE INITIATIVE AND GIVE OUR ENEMIES A MOMENT OF PAUSE.
9. SUPPORT THE DRAFT!!! If you voted for Bush, you have an obligation to support the draft. If you want America to win this fight we must pull together and join the fight!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Rare gems — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:35:59 GMT

Thank you Ron from Fort Meyers. Awesome post! Had to read through a lot of poorly informed opinions to get to yours, but it was worth it. Also thank you to the members from the military (& their families) for taking the time to post your experiences.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Piere — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:45:40 GMT

We did Israel's dirty work aqnd got rid of the worst enemy they had, Sadam. The Israeli Lobby is demanding we do Iran! What do you think?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Lorri the Dem, Michigan — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:54:12 GMT

Lorri, let's stop dancing around the real issue at hand. Cause here's the truth.

It's no secret that a majority of soldiers in our armed forces come from historically Democrat families. Why is this, because republican parents have the money to pay for college and their kids go to school instead of enlisting. So no wonder the congressional Dems have demonized Bush.....they are under attack by their voters (parents) who want their kids home. (I bet they had no problem in peace time when the Gov't would pay for their sons college while they sit at the local bar and drink Budweiser.......Imagine that, Dems wanting something for nothing)

So how about this Lorri.....you want to be mad at someone, then either get mad at yourself, your husband (wouldn't be surprised to hear your single or divorced), or your son. No one forced your son to enlist. And you obviously you didn't offer to pay for college or else your son would be smoking pot at Chico State right now.

The bottom line is, we had every right to invade Iraq. And anyone that says other wise is selling something. (michael moore) War is never easy, but stop making it more difficult.

Oh and to Wesley, yeah we do need to be in this war, or do you want to pay $10 for a gallon of gas, and have civil unrest everywhere in the world. Because if we allow the flow of oil from that country to be stopped, that's what will happen......then everyone is on the wrong end of the stick. I know with Katrina, everyone is worried about our crisis management, but the real deal is, we are saving hundreds of millions of lives with our current crisis management that everyone seems to think we're butchering.

If we leave that country the way it is now, god help us all.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

Kimberly, Tampa FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:56:21 GMT

We have to face the truth, that war is not the answer. Why can't our gov't use the american budget to secure our borders and military intelligience to keep us safe. We have no right to try and interfer with another country, so why are we trying to? Iraq is on the right path now so let;s get out!!!! Bring our troops home and stop spending $$ on another countries problems and religious disagreements.. We need to let them be. They cannot expect any more help than we already have provided!!!! We have done way to much already. Bush is so wrong to continue this war and the $$ used to support it. Is he getting something out of it we may not know about...Sounds like it may be so. For our future well being?? Come on!!! Secure our borders and we will have a safe future.

Iraq's Valley of Peace

JIM TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:12:15 GMT

PULL OUT OF IRAQ AND LET THE ANIMALS KILL EACH OTHER.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "RADICAL" MUSLIM AND JUST A MUSLIM? A "RADICAL" MUSLIM HAS KILLED A INNOCENT PERSON. THE "GOOD" MUSLIM HASNT KILLED ANYONE BUT SUPPORTS THE KILLING OF INNOCENT MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN. I'VE TALKED TO KKK MEMBERS THAT WERE VERY NICE AND PLEASANT SO WHY ISNT THERE A LABEL FOR JUST THE ONES THAT HAVE ALREADY BURNED DOWN A CHURCH OR HUNG A INNOCENT PERSON? WE'VE SEEN PEOPLE BE-HEADED , BURNED , BUSES FULL OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN KILLED WITH BOMBS , WE HAVE SEEN THE BODYS OF OUR DEAD SOLDIERS RIPPED TO PIECES AND HUNG UP FOR DISPLAY WITH THE HELP OF CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 10-12 YEARS OLD. DONT GET ON HERE AND TRY AND CONVINCE THE WORLD THAT JUST THE "RADICAL" MUSLIMS ARE THE BAD ONES WHEN YOUR ONLY KNOWLEDGE OF MUSLIMS IS THE MAN THAT HANDS YOU YOUR CHANGE AT THE 7-11. IF HE FOLLOWS THE KORAN THEN IN HIS HEART HE BELIEVES AS A INFIDEL YOU , YOUR WIFE AND YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD DIE.
GET A GRIP PEOPLE!

Iraq's Valley of Peace

ALI MUHAMMAD,SYRACUSE, NEW YORK — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:25:34 GMT

IT IS A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR HUMAN CONDITION WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES JUSTIFYING THE REASONING OF A SMALL FEW IN OUR MIDST FOR BRINGING DEATH AND INTER-GENERATIONAL DESTRUCTION TO A PEOPLE WHO IN HINDSIGHT DIDN'T POSE A THREAT TO US AS AMERICANS. AS A RESULT WE HAVE INCREASED THE DANGER OF THE SAFETY OF TRAVELING FREELY ABROAD FOR ALL AMERICANS BECAUSE OF OUR INTERNATIONAL IMAGE. IT HAS BEEN TAINTED-CONSIDERABLY. THE JUSTIFICATIONS HEREIN HAVE VARIED FROM RELIGIOUS TO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. HOWEVER, IF WE ONLY UNDERSTOOD THAT G-D HAS GIVEN US OUR DIVERSITY NOT SO THAT WE MAY DESPISE ONE ANOTHER BUT SO THAT WE MAY LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER-OUR ABILITY TO SHARE THOSE DIFFERENCES WOULD NOT SEEM SO DEMANDING.ARE THESE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT SEEM TO BE ENGULFING NOT ONLY IRAG (THE MIDDLE EAST) BUT THE WORLD. IS THIS A SIGN THAT ONCE AGAIN HUMANITY IS FALLING?

Iraq's Valley of Peace

James T.Monroe — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:47:20 GMT

We were led to believe our enemy was in Afganistan, and our military pushed them all the way back to caves,the taliban is reaping geat profits on the poppies,Heroin, we should destroy the fields,let them grow something else.I was in Korea,we had great support from our commander in chief,who was a vet from WW1.All above is noted.I was severly wounded ,and recieved excellent care in Germany,but not a thing from the VA.We felt used.
James T.Monroe