Dzrt, I understand that completely. I am personally not for having troops all over the world, but lets say that it is a worthwhile cause, and merely focus on the Iraq position compared to our other major outposts: Germany, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and “Bosnia” (We don’t even occupy it anymore).
Forgive me if the following sounds overused or simplistic. To me solutions are that.
Both Germany and Japan are modern first world countries very stable economies and governments, with limited foreign resistance, or disputing neighbors, and in Japan’s case it is isolated from it’s global region.
Saudi Arabia is a puppet government, and a corrupt one at that, which has can only rule with an iron fist because of the immense foreign aid and arms supplied to it. It is a frequently criticized country in it’s respective region, although it is not attacked, and I doubt that is merely because the US is there. But at the same token it is costing us billions in taxes and arms for that foothold.
Bosnia is empty, ethnically diverse, but kept under strict control by what? Sanctions. The government there is kept in check by simple International math that anyone can understand.
Now, why shouldn’t we be in Iraq? Well the “foothold” automatically suggests invasion. You don’t think Iran feels threatened? Why do you think they are developing Nuclear Weapons? I realize they have had a Nuclear Program in effect for a while, but why the surge now? If I had a huge military force sitting on my border, I would attempt to gain the upper hand. So right off the bat, by staying in Iraq we are creating a lethal enemy. Second it is costing us, and if we are still considering Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Korea effective “launching places” and worth keeping, then Iraq outdoes them in cost (currently cost standing at $500 Billion). that’s $275 Million a day. and we are supposed to be in there 100 years, if McCain gets in. Which brings me to the fact that it is not a economically stable or socially stable environment. Kurds in the North, Sunni in the middle, Shia’s to the south, Divided Neighbors as to the ethics of the US in the region. Oil lines are thousands of miles long and extremely undefended considering they are easy targets to find and hit. And we neither benefit from that, nor do they pay for it’s upkeep if it is sabotaged. I do. That’s paying twice for gas. That’s not a good investment. The foothold is a great idea, if you plan to invade (like I’ve mentioned). But that is going to require troops to occupy Iran, and Most likely Syria. With the way things are going, I don’t see how we could avoid invading Pakistan. That’s 6 Countries to invade. 5 to fully occupy. That’s 3.72 Million Square Miles extra to cover. That’s a lot of men. We only have 2.9 Million active and Reserve Personnel in the Military. We would not only have to call up reserves, but I don’t see how you could avoid a draft, extended service, stress to personnel, etc.
All because we occupy Iraq. I forgot though it keeps us safe…
GG
