http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspxBy Lt. Col. Rick Francona Iraq’s Arab neighbors are worried about what happens when American forces depart the country. With Iranian influence and power on the rise and an escalating civil war in Iraq, the Arab countries are understandably concerned.en-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32713Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:41:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32713michael, levittown,panot that the bush/cheney show had the inteligence to pull this off on their own , but how would it sound that they started this war at the insistance of the saudis(which own the majority of the u.s. dept)so the they could come in with sadam gone and the country in caos and have yet more oil in their grubby hands...will the bush/cheney show strike out against the saudis for this manuever or will they continue to take out the other obstacles to the saudis , namely the iranians?????????http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32715Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:56:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32715Gordo, Cleveland, OhThis whole problem boils down to the Israeli state and religious extremism. It should never have been established to begin with. How do you settle land that is already settled? Israel needs to pull back to the 1967 borders and be lucky they have that! I also think everyone involved should ease back on religious "rights" to land as well. Something to think about: What would the world be like if there were NO relgion? Would we fight less?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32718Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:01:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32718robert bussExcuse me. Why should America be establishing conditions beneficial to another Country (Israel)in return for help against a common enemy (Iran)? Shouldn't the primary and in fact onl;y concern be what is good for america? What am I missing?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32721Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:13:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32721Nathan Hearn, Seattle WAIt is unrealistic to expect this administration to make any progress in diplomacy on any front. We're going to have to wait out the Bush years before things start moving in the right direction.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32722Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:14:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32722Gene, Monrovia, CAFasinating look at the geopolitics of our problem in Iraq. I have not read anything as comprehensive to date. As such, your explination gives more support to the Baker-Hamleton recomendations for engaging all of the players in this region. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32723Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:15:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32723w.kachele, San Deigo, CaliforniaLets switch to increasing troup size. Here's one for everyone! Its been thought of and done before, why not again. In past war time, the US offered citizenship to those wishing to join the military and support our county. With 12 to 15 Million undocumented illegals coming across our boarders, why not offer them military terms of 5-6 years (they should do more to prove citizenship and desire to become an american than the normal stint). They have military pay for incentive and can include the citizenship to their families. They don't sneak across and send money back to their families, its stays in our country where it belongs. We also do a great service to bulster our military without a draft issue that we are avoiding and bring people to this country that are willing to fight for our beliefs. Anyone agree out there, lets not sight money problems, what we print has no value anyways! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32725Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:23:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32725Rich Sachtleben, Menifee, CA"Iraq For (Israeli) Land". Here we go again. The pressure always is put on Israel to concede. Why? The "moderate" Arab states could have solved the Palestinians' situation decades ago if they had wanted to, without seeking to have to destroy Israel to have done so. But it was in these Arab states' interest to keep the Palestinian/Israel pot boiling so as to keep attention off themselves and their own miserable problems. It didn't help that the Palestinians themselves seem to make themselves unwelcome wherever they may be. Were they not booted out of Jordan and Lebanon because of their own undoing? Anyway, even if the Palestinian/Israeli situation were to disappear entirely one way or another, the problems in the Middle East would not go away. Hatred of Israel and Jews seems to be in the DNA of Israel's neighbors, and even the Bible indicates that Ishmael's offspring wouldn't be able to get along with others, including themselves. Truly moderate citizens of Islam standing up strongly for moderation and peace among themselves, are the only secular answer to the forces devoted to and practicing internecine and international mayhem. Blaming Israel and expecting them to give more, and hoping thus magically to make the rest of the Middle East's problems go away, is both convenient and deluded. In my opinion, if our leadership knows what is good for the United States of America, we will never abandon Israel. As a society we've already done more than enough to be incurring the wrath of the One who created all things and to Whom Israel was and always will be special. If the USA writes off Israel, we'll have poked a stick in God's eye that we'll really be sorry for having done. Worse times than now are coming, and we'd better be on the right side when they do.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32726Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:24:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32726Sameh Faheem, Toronto CanadaThe trust between the people in the region and the the West and in particular U.S. and Isreal is totally gone. From the big lie of the WMD to invade Iraq & all the manovour of Isreal and the U.S. to keep the captured lands since 1967 will make us doubt about the out come of this deal. I think that the the U.S. wants to get out of the mess in Iraq, but not really leave the Country. After that they will leave the Plistanians and the Isrealies to negotiate for years and finally the Israelies will say there is no parteners to negotiate with or they are terrorists...etc, there lots of excuses for the Americans & Isreal in order to keep the present status . http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32727Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:24:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32727John Doe, Seattle, WashHow about these munificent moderate Arab leaders do the right thing to improve the lot of their Sunni brothers, not for some quid pro quo diplomatic farce? If they could broker peace, why do they stand idly by and watch their brothers slitting each others throats as newly free men?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32729Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:30:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32729notsogulliblei find it interesting that the UN would now publicize a report on the number of iraqis killed this past year being somewhere around 37,000 iraqi civilians. how come there was no official report on how many iraqi civilians die in the initial american invasion to free the iraqi people? the interesting question i think one should ask is how many of your siblings are you willing to lose in the form of collateral damage to be freed by a group of people who wants your oil?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32731Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:31:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32731LouisIf the Israilies wanted peace then Jerusalem would already be part of Palestine. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32737Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:50:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32737Yoyo, of Ras Meat, Lala LandWhen we started the Iraq War, we just did the opposit of what we were going to war for, started the process of de-stabilizing the middle east and may be the world for decades to come. The news papers in 2010 will read " ------ Iran's Man elected Prime Minister for Iraq" The News in 2015 will read " Iran forces enter the war between against Saudi and Jordan in Support of the "Democratically" Elected Government of Iraq. The New in 2020 will read " The West is suffering dramatic set back from the "Greater Iran United States [that includes: Iraq, Saudi, Kuwait, bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi]" boycut of Oil to Western Countris. I hate even to think of next headline, however, One policy that is definitly not working in our foriegn policy, that is "I will not talk to you" policy!!! We should talk directly to Muqtada Sadr, We should talk directly to sunni insurgency without dialogue .....!! And while we rae at it, we should talk directly to North Korea. There is a diffrence between talking, talks fail and you go to war, and you dont talk and expect all will go well. You cant hide from your counter parts, you have to engage in a dialogue, that is why they call it diplomacy, you hide your emotions, your naked dismay and total disagreement with the other party, untill you "totally" understand where they are coming from. Because guess what? not all the action rae the true motivation of apparant reason, find the real insecurity and address it. The Solution to Iraq's problem? There is one and it is not land for Iraq "I dont know what you are smoking, but what ever it is ........ :-). http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32742Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:06:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32742yakov, new yorkhow many american solgers die in 1967 war? wot part off israel next american presidant will sall to arabs? is us an israel alliy or seilsman on arab market?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32743Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:11:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32743Sam H, Lincoln, NEAccording to Negroponte these issues are unrelated (his own recent words about what he thinks). I guess if you buy "Bush's bigger war", this thought applies. I don't think Iran truly cares about Israel in the same magnitude of Iraq. Iraq is going to come under the Shia umbrella, of which Iran is the center of the Shia universe. Our current plan is almost like a Sadr endorsement. Sadr will be the next Iraq leader, and my guess is his style will fit tightly with Iran. What is so sad here is that Sadr's allies will agree to this oil law in march, the 80/20, get us to trust them so we leave, then nationalize the oil. This war will have been not. Rice mentioned the oil law a ton during the Senate hearing. It's already written, it's just not passed - yet. If the oil law is so important, we better make sure we guard the country once it's in place, not just the oil fields! Bush will screw it up I'm sure, and we'll end up with nothing.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32750Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:30:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32750bob london canadaWow! Now this is interesting. Why not get the neighboring counties involved for their own selfish good?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32751Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:35:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32751AmyPersonally, I do not think Israel has ANY right to anything not given them in the original creation of their "state". "Israel" did not exist for two decades before they were attacking their neighbors to grab more land on the premise that they "are God's chosen people and that land was promised to them by God". Baloney. The bible consists of the written words of individuals who were at the time considered "learned" or were "seers" (often through the help(?) of hallucingens or alcohol or were simply somewhat "out of it". We have known several people recently who were "out of it" and they are no more "clairvoyant" and "all-seeing & all-powerful" than I am. I have said for years that if I had answers people would pray to me instead of God. I am the first to say I have NO answers. I am part Jewish (a couple of generations back) so I take the liberty of criticizing Israel's behavior. Bad behavior is bad behavior and should be severely taken in hand. The United States has taken up the banner of the holocaust and turned a blind eye on every heinous crime committed by the Jews. THIS is why we were attacked and it is why we will be attacked again. (That is, if the idea that our own government didn't have a great deal to do with 9/11 is ever proven true. MANY people believe otherwise.) The Palestinian people have been spit on and the toes of other middle east nations have been stepped on through our pig-headed idea that Israel can do no wrong. Until this stops and the American people take to task ANY and ALL who want to abuse their neighbors, the people of this country are at risk. If we all sit back and wring our hands and let the politically powerful continue to look first to the protection of their own wallets and distantly second to the wellbeing and safety of the world, we deserve no better. The person who sits looking out of their window watching a murder being committed and does nothing about it is as guilty of the death of the murdered as if they killed that person themselves.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32895Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:22:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32895George LankThe War on Terror seems to have achieved a 'bonus' which is the escalation of the Sunni/Shia Civil War threat to spread throughout the Middle East. I say 'escalation' because this is an 'ancient' civil war goung back hundreds of years very much like the Protestant/Catholic Wars of the 1600's which had a inflamation in Northern Ireland and is still festering. It also seems that the 'divide and conquer' precepts are also at work with Sunni/Shia sectarian civil war further splitting the Middle East and the illusion of a world wide Muslim Brotherhood. The moderate Middle East states see that sitting on the side lines and letting US policy determine the future of the Middle East (civil war in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq) is to 'US advantage' in the War on Terror but not what the Moderate States really want. Thus, a 'success' for the War on Terror?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32902Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:23:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32902Ashok, Mumbai, Indiajust to ask... who identified the weapons of mass destruction? and who witnessed the relations of Saddam with Al-Qaeda(The Iraq war started due to this reason) who was breeding Talibans before the end of Cold War? and how they became hatred ones? Who was the ally of Osama and Who promoted/publicized Alqaeda? (Afghan war started on the name of Osama!!! Talibans were only abducted due because they were hosts of him) Who destroyed Twin Towers? and decided within days the culprit? what was blasting on the floors on twin towers...The Loose Change video clips clearly shows that The rest of all, everything to discuss and argue is useless!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32903Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:32:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32903Miriam- Brooklyn, NYHow many times are we going to force Israel to negotaiate with terrorists? It's nice of America to support Israel but enough with the "land for peace" plans. You can not force people filled with bigoted hate and unrelenting rage to settle peacefully with another nation whom they regard as mortal enemies. To all Americans who complain about Israel- keep up your anti-semitic rhetoric but just remember you're not off the Jihad list- you're next!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32904Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:37:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32904Ptr Rotterdam HollandL.S. I think it is very obvious the U.S. adm. acts as a criminal organisation, which should be impeached as soon as possible. Before this run on resources, through exsessive power-misuse and greedy ambitions for extreme profits for a small number of families, turn out to be the biggest fiasco in human history. The next link is an article from a Prof at the University of Winsconsin, Timothy Neeno. If you like it or not, he explanes very simple how the processes roll for the ME. The plan of the ShadowGovernment is not as shady as you would think. www.europeancourier.org/18.htm Take Notice: written on novenber 18-2006. The new weaponry the adm. is gonna use will be tested at Shoalwaterbay Austr. the end of may 2007. www.peaceconvergence.com Called Talisman Sabre 07 Dont say we got mud in our eyes, here in Europe. Please help and get together to turn this dangerous time in a possibility to go on the path towards peace. And with the words of MLK jr: " You cannot replace hate with hate, only with love. You cannot fight the dark with the dark, only with light." So lets turn on the light together and walk towards a really new world. Not a projected horror of slavery under martial law. Where the rich get richer and the poor must die quicker. Tanx for reading. Ptr, Rotterdam, Holland. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32913Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:00:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32913Janelle Houston, TexasAmy, your last sentence is soooo true. That is the way I explained to my family and friends of why (regardless of wmd's) we should have gone into Iraq. Of course most people who agree with this theory...watching people be murdered... somehow ignore that theory when it comes to Iraq. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32936Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:43:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32936Mike, west palm beach,floridaTo Amy...You have hit it right on the nose; We must all join together to stop the madness...http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32949Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:19:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32949John Doe, Boston, Mass.Again we use the Jews or Israel as scape goats. I guess History's lessons have not been learned by us. I think this is enough on scape goating the Jews & Israel. Using Israel as a scape goat so we do not say we are anti-Jewish/anti-semetic is bull. Enough is enough. The middle eastern arab countries brought their own problems. Let us not follow Iran's path of hatred. Enough is enough. Israel has its righto to exist as a free society with its heritage intact. Meaning Jerusalem is Israel. The Palestinians and Arabs never cared for this city until Israel was there. Hello - where are the Christians who say they support Israel, using the bible as their rightous way. Bull - antisemitism using Israel as a scape goat is no different than what the rightous Christians did in WW 2. The only real democracy in the middle east is Israel, yet we use this country to pick on ths country for our oil hunger. Enough is enough with the anti-Jew, anti-Israel, anti-semetism.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32961Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:35:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32961The Misk, Fort Mill, SCThis is just another round of endless talks with no real winner except those that benefit from selling weapons and keeping the price of oil high. It allows politicians like Karl Rove to continue to drive fear into America concerning the "war on terror" to distract the public while giving no-bid contracts to cronies, and tax cuts to the already rich that screw the middle class. The Bush team lacks any diplomatic skill and their only answer is to wage more war. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32971Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:53:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32971Nick SmudgeI love it when people say "our government" wants the Iraqi oil...hey "notsogullible"...how did you get to work today?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#32980Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:01:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:32980James McClain, Rincon, GAIt is obvious to me that people have lost all common sense with all this. "Bush will screw it up"... on and on.....Bush's war, etc. People..... Bush is our President. We elected him. Going to war had to pass several obsticals in Congress. They were passed by both Dems and Rebpublicans alike. In Germany after WWII the war did not "stop" at the declaration of VE Day! Many German soldiers continued to carry out mayhelm and distruction on our troops ignoring the German surrender. What is the difference? Several things, and I beleive we should learn from our fathers. 1st. Anybody not Police, Iraqi Army, or US military going around carrying rifles...(such as these unauthorized militias)... should be summarily executed. ON THE SPOT! (no obuses later in a prison somewhere). 2nd. Areas must be cleaned out one section at a time. If elements or parts of IED's are found in a house...DESTROY it, execute the guilty! If there are foriegn fighters, insurgents, thugs,gangsters,that take up arms against the police or military during these "clearing" exercises.....DESTROY THAT BLOCK! Not just the building, if the fighting goes on..pull back the troops, and DESTROY what ever is killing them. We have become so sanitised to being afraid of hurting someone, more poeple are going to get hurt because of it. I hear it now.... Oh but inocent women and children will be killed! They are not inocent... They are harboring EXTREMEST THAT ARE TRYING TO KILL US! You cannot fight a cancer with a bandaid. We cannot fight a war with a flower. David did not try and negotiate with Goliath. He killed him, then cut his head off. David won. Iran and Syria must be told to stay clear or else. This war has nothing to do with Isreal and must remain so. Any attempt to bring in Saudi or Egypt should be approached very cautiously. I would say we welcome peacekeeping troops or police. But in exchange for problems with Isreal????? Rediculous! Let's win this war and get past it. I am strongly against going to any war. But if we are in a war, WE MUST DO WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN IT! Look at Korea. Still a mess. We don't need a leave Iraq in a mess by medling and running. Me must finish what we have started.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33006Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:41:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33006Jim McKenzieLet the new world order begin! Use American military might to protect the oil infrastructure of the combatants until they have gotten the hate out of their system or until the strongest survives. Then conduct commerce with the winner. If they don't want to do business with America, then start swinging at the pitches and let the dimplomats address the issues of the day. Trying to plan long term simply won't work. Our policy should be a living document, ever changing.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33067Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:47:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33067glen,wilkesboro,ncIt is a shame what we have to do as a country for oil,yet we will not drill for our own source's. It appears that we would rather kill people than disturb a few moose.Most including my self are to lazy to work much less have the ability to think.I hope that after the next big attack we will be in such state of shock that we find that there is more to life, than two political parties in a continues battle for power.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33235Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:50:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33235Rob Moorestown, NJI am dismayed by the idea suggested by James McClain - particularly because I think it is an argument that is becoming increasingly pervasive. Why don't you just suggest that we nuke the entire Middle East? Killing everything that moves (as you are suggesting) is more than just morally inexcusable. It IS terrorism. It is the very thing our goverment likes to purport that it's fighting. It is the same dangerous lack of wisdom that our "righteous" administration demonstrated in starting this war. If we were to follow this ideology, we would generate even more hatred towards America and ultimately wind up with even more enemies. Furthermore, this war cannot be compared to WWII. WWII was a war that needed to be fought when it was fought and the US was one of many allies. WWII created the UN. This war ignored it. If you are going to compare this to some other war, compare it to Vietnam. Even George Bush Sr. knew that there was no exit strategy.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33236Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:51:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33236jeanne AZiraq oil is what bushy wants to control and if you want to put the drilling for it here... lets do it in glens back yard in N.C.. bushy will not be happy till he can start the war in iran...his lust for being emporor and murder and violence makes me want to puke..http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33243Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:56:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33243Red Leg Sierra, Colorado SpringsJames McClain, Rincon, GA, Thank God you are out there. I thought I was the only person that thought this way. One of my Iraqi translators told me 2 years ago that we were going to lose this war because we were fighting people who were willing to destroy the world in the name of Allah and we Americans were afraid to shoot a sniper shooting as us from a Mosque because we didn't want to offend anyones religious sites. Total war or get out. When the survivors look at the destruction and death, they will police their own lest hell break loose again. Germany and Japan are perfect examples of countries where the cost of war and benifits of peace are seen every day.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33245Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:57:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33245G TankIt amazes me how duped American people really are. Being a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and I know exactly why this administration decided to tie Iraq to 9/11. It’s to have access to the oil over there. Just think about it. Isn’t it ironic that our President and Vice-President have oil backgrounds? Isn’t it interesting that the vice-president just so happened to be a CEO of Halliburton? Which whom had exclusive contracts with no competition. Doesn’t it just cross your mind that even though there were no evidence that Iraq had anything to do with 9/11 nor possessed the weapons of mass destruction, this administration still pusched to invade the country “In the name of democracy” (Eventhough the Iraqi people never asked us for it) Besides, at one time the U.S. supported Saddam. Democracy was a good excuse to use to cover up the many lies used to justify it. I can think of many countries that are suffering far more than what the Iraqi people were, why aren’t we doing something about that to help the millions dying in parts of Africa? Wake up! You’ve been lied to and you’re just to self-righteous to admit it! Meanwhile, the body count of our troops continues to escalate. For those of you who still think it is the right thing to do, put on a uniform, take arms and serve your country. Maybe some of these young soldiers can live a decent life and not have it cut short because of a greedy, power driven government. The real Terrorist live among us! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33275Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:16:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33275Suzanne, Birmingham, ALIt is always the battle for power between human beings that leads to destruction.It is a sad commentary that we cannot live with one another without destroying one another. We, as Americans continually point fingers at those in the middle east vying for power and land, but we conveniently forget our role in the destruction of life when conquering the native peoples of america ,habitat and animal life. Until such time as mankind finally comes to the conclusion that we are all part of the web of life (human, plant and animal)and respects each part of that life, we are doomed to continuous stife and turmoil. Money, riches and power will not conquer the world. Understanding, respect and truth for each part of creation can make a lot of headway in preserving what is left of this earth. Can we awaken before it is too late. Love your borther and your fellow man and give each understanding and respect........dialog, my freinds, dialog is what is needed now in determining the fate of the middle east, dialog with understanding. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33304Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:31:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33304d.harvey,weston,floridathank God for Bush. ONe of few who have really got it!We will continue to weaken our country if we keep listening to the liberals and left wing press. ONe only has to study history to see the solutions. What happen to our country since WWII. OUr weakness is showing and will be taken advantage of by many. Look to our south and see the movement of ven., Nic, Ec, and Boliva to the left. They smell the blood an will take advantage of it. Of course we will do nothing. weakness is in control, now that the liberals and DEm.are back in power. When will this country wake up???http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33307Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:32:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33307gary reichert hamilton montanaI just read all of the comments from different people concerning Iraq. None of them are on target. You folks look in the Bible at Ezke. chapters 38 and 39 to see how this is going to go. The old names of the countries have been changed to new names but they are all muslims except for Russia, who will lead the invasion that will be stopped by God. Notice the wipe out of the armies and the nations that jump Israel. No matter what we think or do when God finally decides to finish off the muslims for their hatred of God and his people it will be very bad. The time is short!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33367Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:00:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33367Eli, Toronto, Canada Enough about Israelis rights to the land, this is based on what, hostorical belonging? Ownership by GOD? You can't justify giving up land to people based on promises made by their GOD or by tracing it back to ancient times. By that logic, Native Indians should be able to walk right up to your front doors and kick you out of your own houses now! How many Americans would just give up their homes to the ancestrial owners of that land? In fact, I believe there are some States that allow current landowners to shoot trespassers? So what would you do if someone not only trespassed, but actually kicks you out of your home and lives in your house? I am a Palestinian Canadian and I do believe whole heartedly that Israel has been given its legitamate right to exist, but not in this arrogance that they deserve more than what was given. This behaviour on part of the extremists in Israels favor are no better than the extremists in Mohammeds favor. Lets be fair once and for all and have everyone give back whats not their's(legally) and then send in troops (UN, US, or anyone you like) when someone crosses those lines!!!! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33416Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:24:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33416mbbrown,houston,txMr McClain, you are so right, peace is not won by giving concessions we should have learned this in WWII when Prme Minister Arthur N Chamberlain agreed to turn a blind eye to Hitlers invasion of its neighboring soverign countries. We then turned a deaf ear to what was going on in Europe and we paid for it dearly by having to send our young to die on foreign shores. I forget who said the way to peace is paved with war, but that is a very wise saying, for those of you that do not understand look back thru out history and you will see that those civilizations that survived were because they did just what Mr McClain says we have to do, those who didn't we don't even know they exsisted.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33470Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:13:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33470steve ny nyMaybe we are looking at the middle east all wrong.The USA killed one dictator Saddam ONE person who ran Iraq.Now there is FREE elections.Maybe the USA should tell all of its friends THE ONES WITH NO FREE ELECTIONS if there are no free elections we will consider getting rid of the rulers of these countries.But wait every middle east country who has FREE ELECTIONS is a enemy of the USA.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33486Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:45:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33486ziaG tank and amy have it right, i didnt think so highly about the othershttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33493Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:59:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33493ali TXsupporting moderates iraqies in al-anbar province and giving back the palestinian land is a way to move forward, it is doing right + right. u see it isnt so hard to do the right thing if u have the right intention.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33494Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:00:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33494Doug Morrison,Bullhead City, ArizonaReligion has been the cause of most wars and the present turmoil is just another example. When all people deal with each other without trying to force their religion on another or trying to harm one for not believing at all only then will there be peace in the world! Think it would ever be possible?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33499Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:12:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33499JLouie,Bronx NYWMD the big lie, this administration lie not only to the americans but to the whole world,tht saddan was acriminal I cannot argue against that, if this administration wanted to executed a criminal there was no need to go to iraq,Cuba is only 90 miles away the Castro regime has assasinated thousands of innocent people , the difference betwn Sadan and Castro is called petroleo Cuba does not have oil. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33510Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:31:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33510Ed EbbeckeWould we as US citizens act any differently if another nation invaded the United States to remove a president that was viewed by the rest of the world as a war monger, killing thousands of innocent lifes ? I doubt it. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33526Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:02:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33526Firbolg3, Denver CO'Land for ???' Give me a break! Like it or not, there is a WAR going on... one the US did not start and one in which the opposition has been its objective crystal clear... destruction of Western Civilization. George Patton was absolutely correct. The only satisfactory outcome of any armed conflict is total victory... making all the other poor bastards die for their cause. There can be no compromise w/ folks who make no distinction between innocents and combatants and who refuse to acknowledge the other side's right to exist. That harsh lesson from War2 has obviously been forgotten. That's why I find it amusing that the PC crowd rants about collateral damage from US actions, yet is completely silent about the opposition's butcher's bill [e.g. Iraqi University students whose only 'crime' is trying to get an education]... and the wanton destruction of schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. So, props to James McClain for his realistic assessment of what the ROE should be. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33527Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:04:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33527Bill Bar Harbor, Maine Is there any way we can re-become Americans like we were in the 50's, Don't Tread on Me, These Colors Don't Run,..... Back Our Leaders in the interest of our country ? America is threatened from within, if this country was not so infected with liberals, the current crisis would be now be history.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33550Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:40:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33550TBSAs usual, the United States just needs to get its instructions from AIPAC and do what they're told.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33613Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:55:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33613ThinkerI agree that the Israel - Palestinian dispute is paramount in all we do in that region. Perhaps Jerusalem should be internationalized? Or become a Holy City by and in itself like the Vatican? Then the rest of the 1967 land borders becomes manageable.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33645Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:25:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33645Harry, SLO, CAPeace in Iraq for Israeli Land is a non sequitur. Israel is occupying land that it took WHEN IT WAS ATTACKED BY NEIGHBORING ARAB COUNTRIES IN 1967. Read your damn history, people! Arabs are famous for performing death by A THOUSAND CUTS! Take a little land now, we will stop killing people in Iraq. Give me a break! I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33694Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:55:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33694Rob Moorestown, NJIf this country wasn't so "infected" with liberals, this country would have already fallen like every other empire... The fact is that in all things a balance is necessary. That holds true from walking to governing a country full of people with differing opinions. There's a reason why Americans are not like they were in the '50s... It's called evolution.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/16/32660.aspx#33752Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:49:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33752AmyHow many others of us who dared to say the sky is blue got hate mail of the filthiest kind from someone who didn't dare speak on the boards but who saw fit to attack personally?