Iraq: Stay or Leave?
When it comes to US Military involvement in Iraq, Republicans and Democrats offer sharply different visions for our future. Democrats want to begin withdrawing troops immediately and Republicans want to stay longer. John McCain even mentioned the possibility of a 100 year American commitment. Does a long term US military presence in a foreign country really make the world safer? The record is unclear.
Where We Stayed
Korea
We’ve had our troops stationed in Korea since the Truman administration. While this has allowed democratic South Korea to prosper, communist North Korea is as belligerent as ever.
Kosovo
About a week ago, the citizens of Kosovo declared their independence from Serbia. Now our soldiers must try to keep the peace among warring factions a decade after we first began providing security in the Balkan states.
Okinawa
Our Navy has been stationed in Japan since World War II. Sadly, the criminal acts of some soldiers reflect badly on our entire country. We may have worn out our welcome in Okinawa but there’s little chance of Japan attacking the US anytime soon.
Where We Left
Vietnam
The US has enjoyed relatively positive relations with Vietnam since we withdrew in the 1970s. In 2006, our two countries agreed to normalized trade relations. The socialist government of Vietnam has not invaded its neighbors or threatened the United States. And although Saigon is still known as Ho Chi Minh City, communism has not spread throughout Southeast Asia as we were warned of in the 1960s.
Somalia
Somalia has remained volatile since we left after the Black Hawk Down debacle in 1993. As a lawless country, it remains a haven for terrorists and other criminals, but the danger seems to be contained for now.
Lebanon
Fortunately our troops left Lebanon in the 1980s and are no longer directly engaged with the Palestinian militant groups there. Many Lebanese citizens live in relative comfort, but ongoing hostilities with Israel mean more clouds on the horizon.
Korea, Kosovo, Okinawa, Vietnam, Somalia, Lebanon
February 26th, 2008 at 5:32 am
[…] Radical Avenue wrote an interesting post today on Iraq: Stay or Leave?Here’s a quick excerptWhen it comes to US Military involvement in Iraq, Republicans and Democrats offer sharply different visions for our future…. […]
March 4th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Interesting food for thought, this is. I still think we need to get out of this current quagmire post haste.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:41 am
[…] all across the country. It would put ordinary Americans to work and breathe life into the economy. Iraq is like an anchor stuck in quicksand on the ocean floor. Most Americans have already figured out […]
March 25th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
nice work, bro
March 28th, 2008 at 7:06 am
REMEMBER the American Civil War?
1864….George Maclellan looks like a winner for the Democrats….
Lincoln, the war costing more and more, looks like he’s not going to be in the White House for another term…
U.S. Grant comes to Virginia, takes command of the Army of the Potomac….Faces off against Robert E. Lee at WILDERNESS…
Grants army is basically held….Potomac veterans expect another “move’ back in the general direction of Washington….
Quote GRANT:
“I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.”
The Army of the Potomac, after 17,000 killed wounded and missing….marches….
SOUTHWARD….
Folks….you have had too much high living and success….
Stop letting the Arabs beat your resolve…
FINISH THE JOB….then we can get back to making money….
Not every cop comes home from a night on the beat….
The “Global Policeman” has got to have the idea that not everybody will be able to go home…..
I’m ashamed of your lack of resolve…
FINISH THE JOB…..