Post-War Iraq: Should we help?

[faded glory]

you guys seem to forget. Iraq is a very wealthy country, once sanctions are lifted.It wont take long for Iraq to return to a good economy like the early 80's...very little international aid will be needed (Mostly humanitarian). Bush has said, any rebuilding of the infrastucture would be paid for by Iraqi Oil. So this is really a non-issue.


I imagine tho that the Iraqi National Congress will not look kindly on France and Germany.

[The Mad Monk]

Don't call us, we'll call you.

[The Mad Monk]

From earlier news, the Kurds have already stated that France should not expect any contracts with them.

http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030314-095811-8865r

[Bereta_Eder]

Actually the rebuilding of Iraq (after it has been demolished - what a joke) will cost huge. (some place it even in the 100 bil. dollars)
Bush simply ignores it and his past record in Afganistan is deardful.


No Iraqi wants to see its countrmen slaughtered so I doubt they'll have any feelings for France and Germany different from what they'd save for the US.

And it is clear that the Kurds are endangered by the American invasion.

[Kropotkin]

If the US attacks without backing from the UN it wouldn't be more than fair that the US will have to pick up the tab for all. However, this is not just about diplomacy. Considering that the US doesn't seem to be any good at peace keeping we have to take the populations fates into consideration. It wouldn't be good if they turn the country into another West Bank and leaves as soon as it gets tough due to popular demand from home. If the global community can take resources to pick up the peaces in countries as Cambodia it could do the same in Iraq even if it's the worlds superpower that's partly responsible to the situation. (yes obviously Saddam Hussein is the one to blame but there's no chance he'll do anything about the situation).

[Urban Ranger]

I don't think there will be any rebuilding. Once Hussein is removed, all hell will break loose in Iraq. Some possible scenarioes include:

- warlords, former Iraqi generals, grab land
- massive civil wars between various religious factions
- Kurds rebel, Turkish military comes in to crush the attempt

[HershOstropoler]

"all hell will break loose in Iraq"

I think those struggles won't be carried out openly as long as the US occupies Iraq.

[Urban Ranger]

It depends. Take Afghanistan for example.

[HershOstropoler]

Well the US has not actually occupied Afghanistan.

In Iraq that's a dilemma:

- take full control and have your soldiers on a silver plate for regional fundy terrorists

- just take strategic control and witness regular fightings

[faded glory]

"It depends. Take Afghanistan for example."

Watched geraldo from Kabul the other day. Actually the people are very happy and alot of people are rebuilding. Warlords there are disarming. Afghanistan was a really good example of what needs to be done in Iraq to an extent. Despite what everybody at the time saying we could never do it.

[Bereta_Eder]

Hardly. The situation in Afganistan is pretty much ****ty.

Also the Europeans are quite dismayed at Bush's lack of commitment there.

[GePap]

Yeah, faded glory, geraldo from Kabul..I wonder why Kabul, and lets say, not Herat? Afghanistan is not the example to push for Iraq.

As for the rebuilding: I am sure the US will try to maintain a monopoly (as the list of companies shows). I doubt there is much money to be made from Iraq besides the oil, but it will take years and billions of dollars of investements to get Iraq's oil production not only back to were it once was, but were it can get to. I think Cerberus is correct..if the Us keeps other states out, then the impression of imperialism and creating some sort of mercantalist colony will only grow. Also, so many corporations are so huge and internartional, it is impossible to keep the French out, if you let any really big corporations in.

[axi]

It is certain that all reconstruction will be contracted to US and UK firms. It is also certain that all reconstruction will be paid with Iraqi oil. Oil which will be sold dirt cheap to US oil companies. Also the bombs that will destroy the infrastructure will be replaced by new shipments, also made by US firms. Hence, the more they bomb, the more $$$ they get.

Isn't that good business, or what?

Expect to see Iraq devastated and targets struck for no reason whatsoever. Let's hope that no medical companies want to open business in the ME, cause we might see hospitals being bombed as well.

[HershOstropoler]

"It is certain that all reconstruction will be contracted to US and UK firms."

UK? Bush & co will screw UK companies whereever they can.

[Bereta_Eder]

Yes.