Pro-war camp can't make the case that an attack is in nationa interest

The Orange County Register ^ | Feb. 2, 2003 | Ted Galen Carpenter

[Barandth]

Pro-war camp can't make the case that an attack is in national interest Feb. 2, 2003 Orange County Register Column By Ted Galen Carpenter Vice president for defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute.

President George W. Bush, his surrogates, and the White House's pro-war allies in Congress and the media routinely cite an array of reasons a U.S. military campaign to overthrow Saddam Hussein is a good idea.

[Barandth]

I am posting this article because I agree with it, and I would like to hear some other thoughts on it. I think he makes some very good points, and I do not see where he is wrong. If you can explain to me where he is wrong, please, go ahead. I want to understand why this war is necessary, because as it is now, I do not.

[MJY1288]

INCOMING

[concentric circles]

I liked Ann Coulter's response, "Because we're draining the swamp..."

[the_doc]

We can and have made the case. Most journalists and all liberals are just idiots.

[demlosers]

Busy now, but I'll take this editorial apart piece-by-piece later.

[narby]

It's pretty obvious that Saddam has been a huge sponsor of terror. The terrorist Abu Nidal, wanted by most of the civilized world, was found dead in Bagdad just a few months ago. Don't tell me Saddam's police state didn't know he was there.

For a fact, Saddam was involved in the 93' WTC bombing, as shown during the trial. It's down now, and he obviously wanted it down, so he may as well take the blame and all that goes with it.

I like A. Coulters response as well. Drain that d@mn swamp.

[MJY1288]

When a country such as Iraq invades it's neighbors and we are called into action and beat back Saddam's forces and Saddam agree's to an cease fire agreement that allows him to remain in power and he disregards everything he signed on to, THAT IS ALL THE REASON WE NEED All the other evidence of his production of WMD's is just more reasons to put him to sleep for good.

All of the limp wristed cowards who would rather ignore a tyrant like Saddam should go live with him, or for that matter, they should go be human shields

[woofie]

What would it take for you to be convinced war is necessary?

[Miss Marple]

Why this war is necessary:

1. Because Sadam Hussein has been funding terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and al Quaeda.
2. Because Sadam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction which he has not accounted for, and was REQUIRED to do so by the UN in 1991.
3. Because Sadam Hussein and his regime have been providing technical expertise to said terrorist groups.
4. Because Saddam Hussein and his regime have been harboring terorists within the borders of Iraq (Abu Nidal, for example).
5. Because Saddam Hussein has not cooperated with the UN weapons inspectors, and has, in fact, made every effort to deceive them.
6. Because Saddam Hussein will use said WMD's on Israel and Europe, and will provide those WMD's to terrorists who will use them on the USA.
7. Because Saddam Hussein has brutalized his people, using torture and terror to maintain control of the country.

I take it you have not been paying attention.

[geedee]

Nah, as a relative newbie myself, I always check to see when someone signed up. Anytime someone signs up tomorrow when it's today in my world, I save my limited ammo for the veteran FReepers who know what they're talking about.

This Swedish cat just wants to get a rise out of some FReepers.

[ez]

Overthrowing Saddam would weaken the terrorist threat and intimidate other regimes that might be tempted to cooperate with terrorists.

A war with Iraq is likely to have the opposite effect. It would serve as a recruiting poster for Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida.

This is wrong for two reasons. First of all, eliminating Iraq's WMDs would make us SAFER. Iraq is one of only three nations in the world that produce weaponized anthrax, and Saddam is THE most likely supplier of WMDs to terrorists. In fact, he allows them to train in his country.

Secondly, terrorists are cowardly, as demonstrated by their modus operandi and the attacks on innocent civilians. Any display of resolve by this nation and use of force will DISCOURAGE future attacks...to the same degree that clinton's failure to do anything against them emboldened them throughout the 90s.

[woofie]

He also provided us with his e mail

[Miss Marple]

Oh, how kind of you to point that out. Heheheh.

[woofie]

Though polite this looks like zot food to me

[MJY1288]

LOL, But it's our duty to welcome the newbie :-)

[jwalsh07]

The war is necessary because there is a vast conspiracy afoot for regime change in France, Germany and the UN. Iraq is simply the instrument for attaining that goal.

[geedee]

If it's a valid email address, he can count on getting some mail. FReepers ain't a timid lot.

[onedoug]

Another handwringer.

[dennisw]

We need to get rid of Saddam because once he gets nukes it means Al Qaeda gets nukes. An Iraq with nukes can blackmail the Middle East thus threatening our access to MidEast oil. All you have to look at is how difficult it is to deal w/ NKorea now that they have nukes.

[geedee]

Well be sure and baptize him like y'all did moi. I was shell-shocked for a week.