[Taima]

Now since I live in America, I can really only give the point of view of an American.

This is the way I feel about it:

I feel we had every right to go to Afghanistan. I was probably further influenced cause I lived in New York at the time of 9/11. There was no doubt in my mind that it was where we had to go.

As for the invasion of Iraq, I remember how convincing it seemed with the whole WMDs and what not. So at the time and believing that Iraq was a threat, I was all for it. I remember how pumped I was when I watched us bomb Baghdad on TV. Not only was it the first time a bombing of another city was shown on TV like that, but it was the first major conflict that I was alive for. Then on the day of the invasion, I was even happier. Then we had the heaviest fighting of the war, which was in Fallujah.

Then all of a sudden, no WMDs and everyone is like "wtf?" Now we're in a deep hole that we dug because of false pretenses. We're stuck cleaning up the mess we made and fighting an @$$load of terrorists/insurgents/extremists that weren't there before.

So yeah, I could probably go on but I won't. I'd rather see everyone else's opinions.

[samjohnson]

I was all for the war and still am. If we didn't go in there who knows what could have happened. I rather have the fighting going on there than here. All we need now is for Hillary (which she won't) or Obama being president to screw stuff up more. I think President Bush tried to make the best decisions for this country and people are always giving him crap about it. I would like to see some of those people in his place, they would probably do worse. Ok I am done ranting now.

[Taima]

I sort of agree with you about it...it wasn't much of a rant anyway so don't worry about it.

[Blackmirror]

I wonder if i dare to post an opinion here without being accused of being Anti American which i am not
This is just my opinion nothing more


I believe the Iraq war was Illegal.
I think had the 9/11 attacks not taken place then Iraq would not have been in the mess it is now..

So many lives lost and still being lost on a daily basis is such a waste
both Military and civilians

I think we on both sides of the Pond were duped
We were told lies by our leaders to get support
Still the war goes on

Should all the troops be withdrawn ?
No
We have a duty to the Iraqi people to put their country back together again
Whether its possible im not sure

They need our help

This one image sums up the war for me

[Howard]

I too think the war in Iraq is illegal. We definitely went in there under false pretences, there were no WMD`s and the weapons inspectors has already told the governments that, but were brushed aside, cause it didn`t fit in with the US/UK governments plans. In other words we were deliberately lied to.

I was definitely no fan of Hussain`s, but what we have now, doesn`t seem much better to me. When will the west learn, you cannot impose democracy on places that don`t want it.

My son is in the army and has been to Iraq, he`s due to go to Afghanistan next year. I really feel we have no business being in either country.

Hell, the Russians couldn`t solve the Afghanistan problem, and I don`t thing we will either.

Regards Howard

[Jason]

The thing is, there is way too many of them talibans. Plus, we haven't got a clue who they are... they could be anywhere. What I am saying is, WE WILL NEVER BEAT THE TALIBAN. However, if we do pull out, then all the dead, injured, and current soldiers would have been over there for nothing. Another words, soldiers killed when they shouldn't of. I do believe we should stay over there, maybe one day we can bring peace to that country, I just can't see it. I'd love to be proved wrong, though.

[Oldie]

Briefly .. all in favour initially .. as was the case with the house (Parliament) in UK.

Not allowing Hans Blitz to complete his mission, then eventually the fact that no WMD were ever found. Now I say, get our troops out at the earliest opportunity, and never ever be hoodwinked by the very people we elect through the ballot box, only to be fed lies, lies, and more lies

Oldie

[Ukkonen]

My opinion: (and this wont only mean america, in means every country in the world)

Just secure and make your own country better before going to other countries. I think for example in america there would be better use for the money. I think there is Americans who really need help! Start help them first, and then start help the world!

[samjohnson]

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

I wonder if i dare to post an opinion here without being accused of being Anti American which i am not
This is just my opinion nothing more


I believe the Iraq war was Illegal.
I think had the 9/11 attacks not taken place then Iraq would not have been in the mess it is now..

So many lives lost and still being lost on a daily basis is such a waste
both Military and civilians

I think we on both sides of the Pond were duped
We were told lies by our leaders to get support
Still the war goes on

Should all the troops be withdrawn ?
No
We have a duty to the Iraqi people to put their country back together again
Whether its possible im not sure

They need our help

This one image sums up the war for me

I am not sure how you could say this war is "illegal". They attacked us, killed many civilians on 9/11. We took action against it. Glad we did. If we hadn't, I have no doubt that they would have attacked us again. Yet much much bigger and harder. Ok so maybe there was no WMD. But just because nobody found them doesn't mean that there is none.

The thing is, there is way too many of them talibans. Plus, we haven't got a clue who they are... they could be anywhere. What I am saying is, WE WILL NEVER BEAT THE TALIBAN. However, if we do pull out, then all the dead, injured, and current soldiers would have been over there for nothing. Another words, soldiers killed when they shouldn't of. I do believe we should stay over there, maybe one day we can bring peace to that country, I just can't see it. I'd love to be proved wrong, though.

I agree Jason. There are tons of the talibans, and no real way to find out who they are. If we pull out now, then they will probably just keep attacking.

[Jason]

I actually had a discussion on this topic with a few current & former soldiers. I basically said, the only way we will beat these talibans is with TECHNOLOGY. Iraq is slowly getting better, but these talibans can just pop-up at anytime.

We need to show these 'talibans' that we're not scared. If everyone was scared of using public transport ect, then it means they have won, and they're laughing.

Half of all British servicemen say they want to quit. Not good, huh? It's easy for the government to send our troops to war, they aren't even going to be fighting. But, I'll say this: Troops are trained for the job they do over there. It's not meant to be easy -- but they are trained, believe it or not. So, that gives people a reassurance that they'll be safe.

[Blackmirror]

Its an emotional subject
I have lost two of my sons friends who were in Iraq and one recently came out of the Marines after 4 years
He was sent to Afghanistan
Hes now engaged to be married
My son came from London just for the party

Perhaps one day wars will be fought with words rather than bullets or bombs and sense will prevail

[Oldie]

Originally Posted by samjohnson

I am not sure how you could say this war is "illegal".

The UNs Kofi Annan emphatically said so.

Americans must break free of the neocons' self-delusional groupthink mentality by learning to differentiate between fact and truth, which are all too easily confused. For instance, it's an undeniable fact that Messrs. Bush and Cheney have been arguing along the campaign trail that "The Iraq War was legal!" Nevertheless, the mere fact that they've been vehemently arguing that point certainly does NOT make it true! Their argument is flawed by a logical fallacy called an ipse dixit (i.e., something asserted but not proved). As we've already seen, their argument is just plain WRONG AS A MATTER OF LAW! Therefore, Messrs. Bush and Cheney are making a false argument (i.e., deceptively asserting something that is untrue).

Important to also remember that Tony Blair faces the prospect of an International Criminal Court investigation for alleged coalition war crimes in Iraq. Not so Bush, and we all know perfectly well why

Oldie

[Blackmirror]

Originally Posted by samjohnson

I am not sure how you could say this war is "illegal". They attacked us, killed many civilians on 9/11. We took action against it. Glad we did. If we hadn't, I have no doubt that they would have attacked us again. Yet much much bigger and harder. Ok so maybe there was no WMD. But just because nobody found them doesn't mean that there is none.



.

Sam that is the first time i have actually heard an American say that outright
I mean no disrespect please I'm just discussing this

The 9/11 attacks affected the whole world . it was horrific

Do you think thats why Bush wanted Saddam . He was an easy target
Couldn't get Bin Laden in Afghanistan so went for REVENGE ??


There was no proof Saddam was behind that attack if I'm mistaken

The war was illegal as NATO was against it
I don't like getting in to deep as i have been accused of being Anti American every time i try to put my view

I'm not

[Jason]

Personally, I think this war was brewing for a long time, then when 9/11 happened, it just "made" us go into war. Yes, the 9/11 was a sad sight to see, but we (Britain) also had the London Bombings. Terrible day.

Blackmirror, do not worry about that. This is the "Debating Room" so you are allowed so much "free speech". If people can't take what you're saying, then they're free to ignore this forum.

I also believe that we have the best troops -- just not the best weapons.

[Blackmirror]

I dont want to upset anyone Jason
I know debates can be very heated but i enjoy hearing opinions

[Oldie]

Originally Posted by Jason

Blackmirror, do not worry about that. This is the "Debating Room" so you are allowed so much "free speech". If people can't take what you're saying, then they're free to ignore this forum

Being as I subscribe to a Political debate board, the problem with many open debates is that some, a minority, tend to shoot the messenger rather than the message, and that's when problems start. If members are able to differentiate between the two then all is fine and dandy

Hello Jason, I'm Bill

[samjohnson]

Sorry if I sounded rude. It just drives me nuts, especially when Americans, are completly against the war. But no BM you don't sound anti American. Your just stating your opinion.

[Blackmirror]

Thanks Sam
We all have different opinions
I mean we cant blame the people of countries only the leaders

The Iraq war is such a waste of money and lives..
We are not winning

Think what the money could have been spent on
Schools health care

When will governments get their priorities right??

Im not Anti war.
There are times when action needs to be taken
I dont protest or belong to any organisation
My opinions are my own

Its easy for us to sit in our homes and try to put the worlds problems to rights
Its human nature to want a better world for our children

[samjohnson]

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

When will governments get their priorities right??

Never. Plain and simple. They are there for the power.

[Blackmirror]

We as a human race are doomed Sam and so are our children and their children