Post-War Iraq: Should we help?

[BeBMan]

This is directed mainly to those who (or their countries) oppose the war, esp. us Eurocoms

Should those nations participate in the rebuilding of Iraq after the war? I´m quite undecided about that. In Germany there are some government voices who say we could/should help (eg. our minister of defense), despite the current anti-war position of our government. I´m not happy about the war, however, once it is over, shouldn´t there be collective efforts to make the best out of it?

What´s the official position in other European countries, what´s your personal opinion?

Mods: I know new Iraq threads don´t survive long these days, but since it is not about the war itself, more about the post-war situation....

[Pekka]

We have promised to help re-build and send peace keepers.

[HershOstropoler]

There's a strong temptation to let the US clean up what they have messed up for no reason. It would be more rational and in our own interest though to support the reconstruction.

I'm just very sceptical that appropriate agreements on this could be made with or would be upheld by the Bush administration.

[Harovan]

I'm undecided myself on this subject. One half of me says, let the yanks and their sycophants rebuild what they destroyed. The other half says, this wouldn't be right to let the iraqi people suffer for the wrong of other nations. Tough decision, but in the end I probably would agree to a help in rebuilding.

[Sloth]

Originally posted by HershOstropoler
There's a strong temptation to let the US clean up what they have messed up for no reason. It would be more rational and in our own interest though to support the reconstruction.

I'm just very sceptical that appropriate agreements on this could be made with or would be upheld by the Bush administration.

I strongly agree

[TheStinger]

Its not a question of helping the Iraqis. The people of Iraq will be be helped whoever gets involved in reconstruction. The question is should the Germans and rench get any of the contracts. If I was in the new Iraqi government I would be more likely to award a contract to the country that got rid of the dictator in my country, rather than the ones who were happy for him to remain.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by TheStinger
Its not a question of helping the Iraqis.

That is exactly my question.

The question is should the Germans and rench get any of the contracts. If I was in the new Iraqi government I would be more likely to award a contract to the country that got rid of the dictator in my country, rather than the ones who were happy for him to remain.

I´m not aware someone in Europe expressed happiness about Saddam...

[TheStinger]

To an Iraqi it might very weel seem that France and Germany were happy for him to stay.

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by TheStinger
To an Iraqi it might very weel seem that France and Germany were happy for him to stay.

And, to an Iraqi, it would seem that the USA, Britain, and co. is happy to blow up their homes and kill their friends and relatives.

[TheStinger]

If the war is short and csaualties light who do you think the average Iraqi is gonna thank. France or the US.

[HershOstropoler]

There may be some initial euphoria for the US and the UK, but whatever comes next is bound to make a lot of people unhappy. Gratitude isn't exactly a strong political force...

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by TheStinger
If the war is short and csaualties light who do you think the average Iraqi is gonna thank. France or the US.

I think they'll thank whatever they believe in that they're still alive. I wouldn't expect them to have gratitude to either side - why should they be greatful of the first world counties who live on the other side of the world and decide their fate?


By the way, there was alot of refugees from the fist gulf war at the Toronto peace protest.

[catullus]

Of course we will help.
Nothing to do with contracts gained, nothing to do with letting US/UK clean up their own mess.
It's about being human and humane.

I know there are some hundred volunteers, mostly doctors, mine sweepers (the profession, not the game, stupid!) standing ready to go the very instant war breaks out. Only from my own li'l country, that is.

If I was in the new Iraqi government I would be more likely to award a contract to the country that got rid of the dictator in my country, rather than the ones who were happy for him to remain.

Well. History would say:
If I was in the new XXX government I would be more likely to award a contract to the country that INSTALLED ME AS dictator in my country...

But I digress.


C.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by TheStinger
If the war is short and csaualties light who do you think the average Iraqi is gonna thank. France or the US.

Perhaps they would be really thankful if they see that all those countries do something for them once the war has ended...which brings us back (from your trolls ) to the topic

[TheStinger]

Countries that have lived under repression which then become free in part due to the actions of third parties tend to be grateful( Of course the French are the exception here). They won't want French or German help in rebuilding their country.