Why are we in Iraq ?
By Henri D. Kahn
I have heard a variety of reasons from different people concerning why we are in Iraq. I am curious to know what the majority of persons who read my monthly article (as few as there are) believe is the reason our armed forces are fighting in Iraq . It will also be interesting to get a feel for when you think we will cease to occupy Iraq and leave it to determine its own destiny. I would like to know if you think the upcoming elections in that country will be successful in giving birth to a fledgling democratic form of government.
We are in Iraq because:
1. We want their oil production. Yes___ No___
2. We would rather fight terrorism in the terrorists' backyard rather than in our own backyard. Yes___ No___
3. Saddam Hussein was directly involved in the 9/11 tragedy. Yes___ No___
4. Saddam Hussein was indirectly involved in the 9/11 tragedy. Yes___ No___
5. Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Yes___ No___
6. Saddam Hussein harbored terrorists. Yes___ No___
7. Saddam Hussein was a horrible dictator and ruthless killer of his own people. Yes___ No___
8. G . W. Bush wanted to take vengeance on behalf of his father. Yes___ No___
9. We need an established presence in the middle east to keep tabs on terrorist activity. Yes___ No___
10. We want to protect Israel, our close ally. Yes___ No___
11. We fear that Iran has aims on Iraq , Saudi Arabia , Yemen , and Oman . Yes___ No___
12. We are a warlike nation and know that our enemies will be less likely to attack us knowing we attack first at the slightest provocation and question our actions later. Yes___ No___
A. How long will we have to maintain an imposing military force in Iraq? 1 to 5 years___ 5to 10 years___ Longer___
B. Should we subsidize our expenditures in Iraq with their oil revenues? Yes___ No___
C. Do you believe that the president and premier of Iraq have the first and last word on all issues concerning the Iraqi citizens? Yes___ No___
D. Will the results of the upcoming elections in Iraq be meaningful to a majority of the Iraqi citizens. Yes___ No___
E. Should we attempt to repair our relations and meet with the dissenting European countries concerning the future handling of the Iraqi problem? Yes___ No___
F. Do you feel that many of the countries of the world have lost respect for us due to our attack on and occupation of Iraq ? Yes___ No___
My personal e-mail is HDK@kahnins.com. Send me your answers, I will compile the results and e-mail them to you.
Say a prayer for our great country, our military around the world, the traditional family life we enjoy, and our neighbors everywhere.
Happy Thanksgiving.
