We Didn't Ask for This, But This is What We Do.
I have recently discussed a very interesting topic with a close friend of mine. I asked her this question: "Knowing that we had to engage militarily with one nation, which nation should it have been: China, North Korea, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, or Syria." All things considered, I concluded that such was definitely a good question.
I think that an invasion of China would be a waste of military resources. I'm not saying that we'd lose, but I am saying that it'd definitely be a fight. The problem with invading North Korea is that we've tried that before, and as we can see, it was not as effective as we would have liked. Venezueala is a joke for now. Iran is a beast. Iraq with Saddam was a wise choice, and Syria is a threat only because of its allies.
Now, we know that it's absurd to stand back and allow dictators to run the earth. We tried that approach in the 1920's and all of Europe was devastated by its consequences. So, now we have the unwanted but desparately needed role of being the global police. We're not perfect, but I think we're dang good at it.
posted by William @ 1:33 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
And thank the Lord, the USA is here!
I love this question, William.....And the answer is so obvious.
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Far East
1. We can't do much with China militarily, unless we want to eliminate it forever......Historically, they are a great people and I'm of the opinion they will be ok. --> I know I'm in the minority, but they need us as much as we need them.
2. If we attack N. Korea, we must deal with China......Go back to 1. --> I'd gladly trade Taiwan for North Korea. Meaning I'd like to see China kill Dr. Ill and take over NK. Take S. Korea too for all I care.
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Western Hemisphere
We should have eliminated Castro a long time ago, and then put the rest of the Hemisphere on notice......We've botched this, and should assassinate Chaves ASAP. He cannot be allowed to stay for 50 years.
South America is a mess, and a little 'gunboat diplomacy' wouldn't be a bad idea.....But no invasions are necessary. Just a slapping or two.
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Middle East
Any of the choices are legitimate......But only Iraq made sense.
Saudi is the most dangerous and important ($, Wahabbi, oil, center of Islam, etc), but they can better be neutralized from Iraq than if we invaded, which would set the entire Muslim world on fire.....As it is now, many Muslims are hot, but only the nuts are on fire. --> Invading Saudi is the last resort (like nuking China). Anyone who says otherwise is unwise.
Iraq is in the heart of the region, bordering Iran, Turkey, Syria, Saudi, etc.......This gives us a direct, instant threat to all of them.
Plus, Iraq is bound by the Gulf, and we have access to the Mediterranean through Jordan (the one Arab ally we've been able to count on), which gives us instant access to additional firepower in an emergency.....And also allows for logistical support on a constant basis.
These naval forces can be resupplied from many sources, including our new freinds in Southeast Europe (through the Meditteranean) and India (close to the Gulf) --> The naval aspect is huge, though often not identified.
Getting rid of Sodom, eliminated the one quack who may have had the nerve to attack from another country........As we've seen none have done this, even though they have allowed terrorists to come through their borders.
The "Modern-day Sargon the Great" would have been the one Middle Eastern leader to possibly take that jump.....Now there are none with the testicular fortitude or stupidity.
And last, Israel is a short flight from Iraq.......We don't talk about it much, because we like to pretend we aren't their friend, but if the shit really hit the fan it's good to know they are there.
I have no doubt they would help if we needed them (though this is obviously a last resort).........Israel's existence is dependant on our support, and they will be there to reciprocate if needed.
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Iraq was the answer to the question......And there wasn't even a close second choice.
I hope my reasoning spells that out.
Pero, I actually meant to respond sooner. I have not had access in a few days. I think that your assesment of the global climate is a pretty accurate one. It feel like there are so many things that we as a nation must tend to. However, we cannot because we are so tied up in the nations and conflicts that we are a part of. The thing that upsets me is that nations which we have helped mercifully in the past have turned their backs on us (i. e. France).
Yet, because of how dedicated we are to the global atmosphere, we'd still aid France if the opportunity arose.
Mesopatamia is the heart of the religious world, democratic rule provides pilgrims from around the world access to the Holy Valley. Iraq is the center and with the help of America the people are finally in charge.
Where have you gone, William??
Every day I come by waiting for another brilliant post........I hope all is well.
Pero: my access to the internet is limited now because i am living in raleigh for a time. i'll try to make more posts are and responses, but it's difficult when the internet is inaccessible. :-/ Thanks for the concern.
I think you drastically underestimate the progress and power of the United States Military. If we went to war with China we could wipe them out rather easily with conventional weapons....if that's what we wanted to do. We could have wiped out Iraq in less than a week, but we didn't wipe them out. A war with China would last months, but it all depends on the will of their people.
As for North Korea, we could and should wipe out their government in a week. I think you'll find that their people need help, and would gladly welcome us when they realize that there unrepresented form of government is wiped out.
South Korean liberals would protest, but who cares?
Don't get me wrong, Cabe, I have no doubt we could China, conventional or unconventional......I was in the Air Force for 14 years, and am not shortsighted on our power.
I'm a realist, and know we don't have the stomach for the massive amount of destruction and death it would take to do so.
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Just look at the BS we have to put up with over dead Iraqi's........It would be exponentially worse if we went big in China.
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