Thoughts on Iraq

[David Gentle]

<<First, there are numerous other unjust and murderous regimes out there; so
why select Iraq? Well, of course it's because of oil, whether directly or
indirectly, such as if Saddam Hussein becomes a bigger threat to Saudi
Arabia. Granted, this certainly falls under the category of "national
interest," but that interest itself is complicated by Big Oil Money and an
apathetic SUV-happy nation. Our leaders are untrustworthy, because they are
financially self-interested.

Of course, the war has to be placed in the context of Bush's administration,
which turns a blind eye to the Saudis -- our "real" enemy, in many ways --
and offers nearly unconditional support for any desire nested in the black
heart of Ariel Sharon. (These are typical of American politics in general,
not just Bush.) We behave like a bully in this region, and our plans for
Iraq do not help. I think we need an entirely different approach to the
Middle East; but given Big Oil, the Israeli lobby, and the incessant beating
of Bush's war drums, this is a fantasy.
>>
The blind eye is turned to the house of Saud because that's where America will attack after Iraq is
taken. That's the whole point of invading and managin Iraq, as a staging post to deal with the real
enemy.

David Gentle