Why Are We Still in Iraq? (Part 1)

There seems to be some confusion betweendisagreed with the invasion of Iraq were concerned
patriotism and common sense lately. This is whatthat the technology we might find were components
most nationalistic movements bank on. No one shouldthey exported to Iraq.
speak up with the voice of reason; if you do, you willOn top of that, it was not a good time to "rattle the
be shouted down, called a coward, and publiclysaber," against, or to antagonize, the United States
shamed.government, so Iraq was invaded. Some people still
There have been more harsh treatments for menbelieve, to this day, that those weapons are in Syria
and women of reason. Just look at how many firingor Iran now. Some people also believe this invasion
squads were active in the 20th century in countrieswas unfinished business from Desert Storm.
that did not allow freedom of speech.We may never know the real story, or it may be
Therefore, let's review where we were, where wetold long after our life times are over, but Saddam
are, and where we should be. Yes, we werehas been captured, displaced, and is now on trial for
shamelessly attacked on 911. Approximately 2752crimes against the Iraqi people. Iraqis have elected
innocent people were murdered on that day. Wetheir own government, and it is time for us to move
should never forget that.on. Let's leave with the British and wish the Iraqis the
Al-Quaida, Osama Bin Laden, and his associatesbest of luck with their new government.
reluctantly claimed responsibility. We invadedDemocracy is not an easy road to travel - just ask
Afghanistan to pursue them and their allies. We didanyone from the former Soviet Block countries.
capture and kill some of them. So far, this seems likeThere are "growth pains" and a "learning curve" to
a reasonable response from the U.S. government anddeal with. The United States had a full-scale civil war
its "allies."before resolving its regional differences. It is arguable
After a while, Saddam raised his head and most ofthat we still have those regional differences to this
us believed he had weapons of mass destruction.day. Look at the way the United States votes during
Intelligence agencies, from more than one country,a Presidential election.
also believed this. Some of the countries that