Quote Originally Posted by bluefinger View Post
But whether Al-Qaeda was directly sponsored at all by Saddam is the big question, one I don't think will be really answered. A big unknown in the whole Iraq conflict.
That is an issue you brought up. I would say they probably never collaborated on anything, but the potential was there. Al Qaeda + WMD's = COMPLETELY OUT OF THE QUESTION. Even if the Hussein regime did not have WMD's at the time of the invasion, they had used them before, and they had the programs. They even had a nuclear program until Israel bombed the factory. But my point was that the Hussein regime was a terrorist government.

Quote Originally Posted by bluefinger View Post
Not really with the whole Islamofascist thing... what this prolonged conflict is doing amongst islamic countries is merely polarising the view of muslims in respect to their view on the US. Killing and capturing 'Islamofascists' doesn't stop the perpetuation of the extremist rhetoric amongst the islamic community. You can't change the views of a community by pointing a gun at them, otherwise you are no better than Saddam! If I really believed this war was for freeing Iraq from dictatorship, and not really for ulterior motives, then I would view this war in a more positive view, and I would be agreeing with you more on certain issues.
We are killing and capturing the ones willing to die in the name of Islam. The more we kill, the merrier. We are not pointing guns at the communities. We are pointing guns at the scum that is targeting the communities. The communities are understanding that more and more as time goes on. That is why we keep winning over communities.

Quote Originally Posted by bluefinger View Post
I am well aware of what Iraq went through under the Saddam regime, however, now it's insurgents and Islamic terrorists that plague Iraq. Out of the Frying pan and into the Fire, figuratively speaking.
A transition phase with great hope is worlds better than Hell with no hope.

Quote Originally Posted by bluefinger View Post
Yes, it is happening... however, if there really was a plan straight from the beginning on getting Iraq to be a shining example of a democratic nation, then it would have been evident straight from the beginning. It just seems to me a lot of what's happened in Iraq has come from ulterior motives within the US administration, such as securing the oil reserves, etc. I doubt the current US administration would have made the same move if Iraq didn't have oil.
If oil were the big issue, we would take over Canada.

Quote Originally Posted by bluefinger View Post
I'll wait and see with what happens in Iraq. I know that things are getting done, and that the US is in Iraq, it must finish what it started. Whilst I do want troops out, I'd rather see a progressive plan developed so to make sure the main objectives of securing the nation from insurgency are completed before ultimately removing troop presence in Iraq. Permanent occupation should not be an option, as that will only exacerbate the polarisation of opinion on the US around the world, not just within the muslim community.
I too hope we get out soon. I am not with McCain in thinking we might need another 100 years. I think we are about ready to tell the Iraqi government we are about to leave and that they better get their act together. That might end up being what it takes for them to finally really get it all together. I might even venture to say that we are ready to do it now. Maybe one more year.

Quote Originally Posted by Moonbeam View Post
Al-Qaeda and Saddam were enemies. They hated him for being too secular.
The United States and the Soviet Union were enemies.