close it - I am sorry for being such a dimwit to pick a fight with some kid.

thank you lama_meme. Altough I disagree with some of your statements, I admire your intelligence and open mindedness.
With that said, yes you are correct about the Iraqis not welcoming the British and Americans with open arms, but a majority of the citizens of Iraqi (and various Arabic) descent here support the ousting of Hussien. But like all of us, don't want to see war. Of course each country (US, UK, Russia, France) have thier own agendas in the region, however I few the US and UK's agendas a lot less sinister. It's known France, and Russia have been supplying weapons and other materials. I don't consider this a war against the "darkies" as you put, although anti-arab feelings are found in some parts of the US, not all feel that way. Most didn't understand why Hussien wasn't ousted in the first place, especially since so many of his supposed allies were quietly against him. I feel removing him will bring stabiility in Iraq, however might cause problems in Saudi Arabia. I do think America does need to move forward past the attacks, but that's easier said then done. With acts like that, it takes a while to recover, please try to understand that. I hate to open wounds, but look at the terrible acts Japan committed against the Koreans. It's still remembered today. I just don't like the anti-americanism, and many people are protesting just because it's popular. America is not the impealistic evil empire people make it out to be. Just come here and you'd see that.

I hope that's not to me.

I do, but I also wonder how long it will take for Iraq to recover.

There's two issues here - appearence and reality. I agree that in reality the US is anything but an evil empire (though there's certainly some moral grey areas, such as Rumsfeld's amazingly hypocritical criticism of Iraq for not abiding by the Geneva convention). The trouble is, this war is a PR disaster for America in the Middle East. It has the possibility of a beneficial outcome, but who will truly believe in that possibility when it's directed by the oil men? The US certainly has more moral credibility than Saddam, but I don't think it's enough to win the battle for "hearts and minds".

Alex

People posting really could take a step back and depersonalise this thread a little. No need to be so confrontational in your arguments!

We're not the ones unfortunate enough to be fighting here!
And it's starting to get messier too. Baghdad is the same size as Birmingham. I just can't think how long it will take in street to street close combat to secure that place.

All the republican army needs to do is dig tunnels in the city and hey presto! It's Vietnam w/o the jungle!

My view:

Shell(USA), Chevron-Texaco(USA), BP(England), Exxon(USA) dont have relations with Irak.
Elf(France), Lukoil(Russia), NOC(China) have relations with Irak for 20 years and more. (to extract oil)

Coincidence?

Has anyone here ever gone to one of these Anti-War rallys or protests or whatever you want to call them?

"U.S. finds nothing at Iraqi chemical plant"

-YAHOO NEWS

Im so shocked.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...emical_plant_3

Exactly, the US wants in on oil deals with Iraq (possibly )

Alex

Now my understanding is that Iraq's output has never actually been that high compared to say Kuwait or Saudi Arabia. I'm not sure about their reserves though.

I doubt this is about direct acquisition - that's not going to be tolerated easily by neighbouring countries - plundering the oil would be a nice idea for the US, but they couldn't get away with it. Stabilizing the supply in agreement with a symapthetic regime would be more viable.

What country is Irak!? I looked all over the World Atlas, checked the internet, and consequently I found nothing on this country named "Irak" that you speak of.

And now...
<rant> Do you think your ######cool or something just because you say Irak instead of Iraq!? Why the ####### do people keep on saying IRAK!? IT MAKES YOU SOUND LIKE SOME INBRED PIECE OF WHITE TRASH!!! STOP IT!!!
</rant>

Ok... that was fun

Reply to carrja99...

Yo - Johnny loggermouth!

You are already aware of the policies on this board reagrding abusive language so I trust you will find it no surprise that your post was edited.

Oops, Im sorry...yes, it's Iraq!

In my region we write "Irak" instead of "Iraq"...thats all!

The same with "Korea" some ppl write "Corea"...did you get it?

Anyway I can't figure your violent reaction but no problem for me.

P.S. Remember this: Internet is international

I am from Colorado and I have never seen it spelt those ways.