Not-So-Happy Anniversary
March 19th marked the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq. President Bush used this event to tell the world what a success the invasion of Iraq has been despite the loss of nearly 4,000 American lives. He told the world that America is now safer than before the attacks and that the overall situation in Iraq is improving. Despite the President's optimistic talk about victory and success he still maintains that troops must remain in the country indefinitely - and, in truth, the country itself is still suffering.
While President Bush states that some troops are now coming home, the war has already cost more than 400 billion dollars and over 4,000 American and allied troops. The situation in Iraq has improved from the beginning of the war, but that isn't saying too much. There are fewer killings and attacks, but the reason there were so many in 2005 is due to the initial insurgence.
President Bush has told the world that there have been considerable improvements in Iraq. This statement is somewhat misleading given that the unemployment rate in Iraq runs between 25 and 50%. Water and electricity services are still not fully operational in many areas. Also, over two million people have fled Iraq since the war began; yet, fewer than 50,000 have returned. These statistics show that while the President may say that the war in Iraq is making Americans' lives safer, the lives of Iraqis are still embroiled in violence and conflict.
As the presidential election draws closer it will be interesting to see how the candidates deal with the situation in Iraq. Since it is such a large political issue, the stance that each candidate takes on the war will be instrumental in his/her campaign.
While President Bush states that some troops are now coming home, the war has already cost more than 400 billion dollars and over 4,000 American and allied troops. The situation in Iraq has improved from the beginning of the war, but that isn't saying too much. There are fewer killings and attacks, but the reason there were so many in 2005 is due to the initial insurgence.
President Bush has told the world that there have been considerable improvements in Iraq. This statement is somewhat misleading given that the unemployment rate in Iraq runs between 25 and 50%. Water and electricity services are still not fully operational in many areas. Also, over two million people have fled Iraq since the war began; yet, fewer than 50,000 have returned. These statistics show that while the President may say that the war in Iraq is making Americans' lives safer, the lives of Iraqis are still embroiled in violence and conflict.
As the presidential election draws closer it will be interesting to see how the candidates deal with the situation in Iraq. Since it is such a large political issue, the stance that each candidate takes on the war will be instrumental in his/her campaign.
posted by Arielle Nelson | 9:48 AM
7 Comments:
I'm glad someone posted about the topic of Iraq. It seems that it is one of the few topics not many candidates know what to do about. Although they provide their views and stances on the war, this does not include a specific plan of action. The war has been going on for five years now and since it is such a sensitive subject I wonder if it will be until after the Democratic nomination for further discussion.
On the topic of the war in Iraq, I know that many people are unimpressed with President Bush's decisions and reports on what is going on over there. All I can say is this: Whether or not people agree that we should be over there, we are. And it would be irresponsible to pull the troops out at this point in time without some sort of contingency plan or form of stabilization over there. We are in too deep and I think its ludicrous for Americans who oppose the war not to show respect for the people over there. It is embarrassing that our own citizens can't feel opposed to the war while still showing some civility toward the hardships soldiers are experiencing. I think this is an important issue that our presidential candidates need to consider. They can not allow the 4,000 deaths to be in vain, and we as US citizens need to support our leaders and realize that there is no undoing the past, so we need to make the best decisions for the future based on what we have going on now.
The war in Iraq is such a big part of our world today and it is being so muted by the media. You don't really hear to much about it in the news any more, like we used to. I think that Lynda is right when she talks about supporting our leaders. No matter how much we hate that there is a war going on, we are in one and our loved ones are over there fighting for our freedoms and our safeties and they are also fighting for the safeties of the people of Iraq. I hope that once there is a secure democratic nomination we can stop talking about the misspoken words of Clinton and the racist reverend of Obama and finally focus in on what matters. Finding a plan that will benefit both our country and Iraq as a nation, while keeping as many people alive and creating peace in the country. They need to find a plan that works for this war, not just pulling out troops, but finding a win-win situation for both nations.
It is interesting that the topic of the war in Iraq has been put on the back-burner, considering how important it really is to our nation's success and safety, as well as that of the world's. I personally could care less about the name calling between our candidate's right now. If they want my respect, they need to stay focused on what is important to Americans. And yes, I agree that we can't just abruptly pull out our troops, but something needs to be done. War can never bring out a win-win situation. I think Americans sometimes forget that the rest of the world doesn't want to be like us. I think it's time to get off our high horse and have a little respect for human life.
It is sad that I feel so removed from the war that I don't even know what to think about it. I see the headlines in the newspapers and hear about it on TV, but everything is so filtered by the government/media, I don't even know what's going on. It is a sensitive subject and many Americans feel like it has been a pointless war, so of course this topic is a huge one for the 2008 election. People like me would like answers about the war...and many would like to see our soldiers come home.
I agree with Emmaanne, that there is a war going on as we speak, but we speak so little about it. People are selfish in the end because if the war isnt directly affecting someone's lives, then the issue becomes less important. I think the presidental candidates are focusing less on the war in Iraq because thats not the main issue for the majority of voters.
This is a tough issue and I am glad Arielle posted on it – and had some stats to back up her argument. I also agree with Taryn that it seems like few people have a solution, much less the right solution. The points I would like to make are from the opposite side. No war, or undertaking of this size, was ever going to be won quickly or easily, and I truly believe President Bush and his advisors knew that. This is what happens in war, for better or worse. I also believe that the history books will paint President Bush as a visionary. His attempt (and success) at forcing a dictator to fall from power and bringing democracy to another nation is heroic and to be commended especially with the amount of public outrage. He has demonstrated courage and I believe history will treat him better than the people of his time.
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