Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:42 am
Okay, that all follows pretty much what I've been hearing. The US military changed tact over the last year or so in order to actually communicate with the local people. Let's face it, nobody wants bombs going off in their backyard, regardless of headwear.paladin2019 wrote:Sorry, I just call it like I see it. IED attacks go down when we talk to and enlist the aid of the local populace to police themselves. Tips have gone up. I can't point to specific instances yet, or possibly here. Events are too recent and we're still in the follow-up phase.
Even so, AQI is unlikely to stop any time soon. It's a hydra, and always has been. The only fire that can be used to remove those heads is the removal of US forces. People may not want bombs blowing up in their backyards, but that doesn't mean that they want the US there, either.
The US is the lesser of two evils, but it's still perceived, from everything that I understand, as an evil. If AQI ever does move out, the Sunnis and Shi'a will be at the throat of the US again, and once they're gone at the throat of each other.
Do you honestly believe that such a country can be unified without having the borders changed?
Note also, Paladin, that I'm not attacking you, I'm just honestly interested in what you have to say and what you think about the situation. If I sound antagonistic, it's because it's in my nature to show the tell everyone that a coin on a table has a different picture on the other side. I feel it would be dishonest to both you and me if I were not to state as much.