Getting our "trusted allies" on board....

[jimholcomb]

Just watched another pnihead on TV talk about how the war would have gone better if we had waited on France, Russia, Germany, ect.... My question to the board is what makes anyone think they would have EVER got on board, regardless of who was the President.

Hypothetically, Let's say we gave inspections a couple more months. Let's say we DID find a ton of Anthrax (or the WMD of your choice). Do you think these countries would have joined us then? It is my contention that they would NEVER EVER have joined us no matter what. Even if Iraq attacked another neighbor. Why, you ask? France KNEW it was providing Irag with night vision goggles in violation of the sanctions. Germany KNEW they were providing chemical suits in violation of sanctions. Russia KNEW it was providing nuclear centrifuge technology in violation of UN sanctions. And what's more - all these countries knew of their culpability in the 10 billion oil for food scandal. See, we didn't know that until we invaded. These countries ALL KNEW that the only way this would come to light was with a regime change. Do you think they would have EVER EVER joined in a coalition that would have eventually exposed their actions????

[Sadistic-Savior]

If the UN will not enforce it's own resolutions, I dont see the point of dealing with the UN anyway.

What exactly were the "serious consequences" if not an invasion?Sanctilns had already been tried.

[argyle4ever]

'Do you think they would have EVER EVER joined in a coalition that would have eventually exposed their actions???'

Assisting\training the Taleban for years to fight the Russians didnt stop the US from eventually going to war against them? Contrasting alliances to suit ones own end is everyday, you as an American should be more aware of this than the rest of the world.

For the record, I'm English, very proud to be, ex-military, but am embarrassed my country joined in this phoney war. I'd be proud to be French, or German, the two main countries big enough to stand up and say NO to Bushs lies.[/quote]

[jimholcomb]

Originally Posted by argyle4ever";p=&quot

'Do you think they would have EVER EVER joined in a coalition that would have eventually exposed their actions???'

Assisting\training the Taleban for years to fight the Russians didnt stop the US from eventually going to war against them? Contrasting alliances to suit ones own end is everyday, you as an American should be more aware of this than the rest of the world.

For the record, I'm English, very proud to be, ex-military, but am embarrassed my country joined in this phoney war. I'd be proud to be French, or German, the two main countries big enough to stand up and say NO to Bushs lies.

[/quote]

Taliban didn't exist during the Soviet occupation. However, we did fund OBL. The point to my post was that France, Germany, ect... were trading illegaly with Iraq WHILE they were voting for 14 UN resolutions and sanctions. Your fine country did not and you should be proud. In our country, the Kerry campaign states that given more time these countries would have come on board. I contend they would not have for the reasons stated. I do not believe that a world consensus is required prior to US protecting perceived threats to it's national security interests. Neither does England (Faulklands) or France (chad and other African adventures) or Russia (Chechnya). Why are we held to an international consensus standard whereas others are not?

[argyle4ever]

The Falklands was somewhat different my friend. The Argentinians invaded land that belonged to HM The Queen, with a view to laying claim to it and imprisoning the English civilians that lived there. I believe we had a right to respond unilaterally, and we did. We asked for no aid, we received none, and rightfully.

As for 'our trusted allies' not joining the LOL 'war on terror' (A bushism that will I fear haunt us forever), the question is why not? Any half-wit could see that the current mess is and always was the obvious and unavoidable outcome. Money, oil, land, the evil and root cause of all wars. There was never any WMD, propaganda driven BS to fuel the motivation of the masses. Most of Europe could see the pitfalls, that Bush\Blair were rushing blindly into a war they hadnt thought through. The problem was never gonna be the war, it was always gonna be the ensuing 'peace'.


Has this war improved anything? Do you feel less, or indeed MORE, susceptible to a terrorist attack following this war?
Sadly, due to this ill thought out War, a new generation of would be Martyrs have been created.

p.s. I fought in the Gulf War campaign, my Regiment suffered 10% casualties. During the current 'war on terror' (PAH!!) my Regiment has suffered 25% casualties, and its still ongoing. This is a battle that will never be won.

Peace out.