America's Secret War

[lowend5]

What to you all think about this book by George Friedman?

Interesting perspective and content...

http://www.americassecretwar.com/author_interviews.html

I searched to see if this topic was discussed already and didn't get any results...let me know if I am beating a dead topic...

E

[Woodmonkey]

I only had time to read a little, but I think this is a great topic.

[BrianK]

The book reflects what I was thinking well over a year ago. I've included a few dated paragraphs from each post. My reality is selling the invasion of Iraq would not have flown if the threat of economic disaster was portrayed as the reason. America was already reeling from the effects of the recession it would have been a "so what else is new" kind of reaction. The author lays out a more complete picture of the why of protecting our interests included Iraq.

Now as we are beginning to find out the oil for food scandal has a lot to do with lack of cooperation. I suspect now it was known at the time but making accusations then without the documentation would have been a total disaster. Working a plan that has to be adjusted as events unfold leaves a lot of room for error. No one said this would be easy & error free.

Interesting is the idea that once Iraq is somewhat stable troops can be free'd up to go on the hunt for bin Laden in Pakistan.


10-31-2003 01:42 PM
Before 9/11 we didn’t think about where terrorists could get money to fund future actions. Or which leader in the mid east had a lot to gain & nothing to lose by supplying money & technical expertise to terrorists. Since 9/11 we’ve learned a lot. Now that we know more we have to ask ourselves.

Strategically does it make more sense to have troops in the area where the problems for America are ? Do we remove the possibility of monetary & expertise being supplied to terrorists ? Does it make sense to place eyes, ears & defense capability where it will do the most good ? Stratigically the answer has to be yes to all.

11-06-2003 05:14 PM
Removing Hussein wouldn't upset the neighboring countries. 90% or more of the Iraqi people would rejoice. So an unconventional tactic of using a Trojan Horse effect to subvert terrorist from within their home territory could work. And as with any effort like that, resistence from within would still take place. Militarily or stratigically the position of being on the inside gives America the advantage.

That takes care of the immediate or beginning. What about long term? As was pointed out Russia is building an oil export facility 7000 miles closer to the industrialized west. They want democracy to succeed in Russia & part of their success depends on oil sales. While they improve this takes a toll on mid east oil. Or if the region is stabilized a balance between Russian & mid east oil will help the world economy become better balanced. We shouldn't forget China & their immediate need for an increased share of oil production. Later in combination with oil the plans to use the Three Gorges Dam to provide economic electrical power to make their economy prosper even more. Oil at a cheaper price from both sources will only enhance their capability. Not only are we at war on terrorism but long term economic factors for survival are a part of the picture.

[Snowden]

Plus, the central location of Iraq is undeniably vital if there is ever to be a peace, however uneasy, in the Mid East. It puts our planes within easy reach of northern Africa (all those Islamic nations), China, Europe, Russia.... and so on. It is no doubt strategically essential if case of future wars involving us and any of that land. And, hopefully, we can keep enough of a presence to be helpful in case of national disasters in those areas. Iran is constantly having earthquakes, as are Turkey and Greece.

I hope helping is part of the plan.

[sergej]

Do I smell some sort of imperialism?

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by sergej

Do I smell some sort of imperialism?

Only if you smell Japan & Germany as being under Imperial rule.

[scott.voigt]

Originally Posted by BrianK

Only if you smell Japan & Germany as being under Imperial rule.

Lest us not forget the past everyone.