What does this tell us about Iraq?
 

I am not surprised by the numbers.

I'm not either, but do they say anything about how we are doing and what the focus should be?

That unless they begin to see themselves as capable of self rule in a democratic society, they will fall back into the typical repressive middle eastern profile. Like Iran, where the Islamic religious elite dictate their countries international and domestic policies, with the typical heavy hand. Iraq has the opportunity to emerge as the leader in their region if they hold fast to this beginning. I am concerned by this articals statement that the poll showed the people felt that the attacks on the CPA were justified and that the people wanted their religious leaders, police, and the UN to take over.

It also stated that they also felt that attacks on UN/humanitarian personnel were also justified....they are nuts, make up your minds. They love not being under the Huesen rule but they want a strong, read "Ruler/Dictator(?)", leading them. Contridictions rule over there it would appear.

I'm not sure they are going to make the leap into the modern world arena?

Skipper

I think they support the view that we are making progress, but the battle is uphill.

Do you both feel that the Iraqi people want to join the global community, or remain the way they were just not with Sadam and boys?

S.

I would imagine that part of that 51% are former regime members that are losing out. And probably some that want to run wild, looting and stealing and what not. But I would also guess that part of it is due to actions of the troops there.

Its a shame we can't use SF hearts and minds for all of the nation-building. I saw a video where they stopped looting of wood with a tank and drove over a car with the wood piled on top. Just an example.

Probably ought to look at the psyops programs as well. They may be an uphill battle given the religious implications, but I don't think we do a good job of touting our sucesses sometimes.

I honestly have no idea. I've never been there.

What does it mean to "join the global community"?

No high a lofty meaning other than associating with the rest of the world in a positive manner where they play with the rest of the kids on the global playground. Iran, Iraq, Syria have all be example of countries where they have isolated themselves and spit at the world. They have financed terror and anti-western activities in the past, maybe present, and have generally shown themselves to be those kind of kids nobody wants to play with, globally speaking.

S.

I like this

New Map

HEY DunbarFC! Look what I did! LOL:lifter

I like this one:

NDD,

I like that too! In my brief scan of the site the gap left out Burma. I'm involved in this part of the world and know that there are reports that Burma's military junta is cozy with N.Korea and talking about 1st world arms.

The Gap also parrallels what the Christian community calls the "10-40 window", the bulk of the world's population and the least influenced by Christianity.

Very interesting stuff, thanks.

S.

Airbornelawyer,
Great graphic! How do you make avatars?

S.

His map is basically the third world and below. The theory is not that different from what NDD has been saying about Mexico, which is that you want to improve conditions to improve stability.

Duh!

Skipper,
It was written a little while ago and there are some things I would add as well. Probably needs to be updated, but I like the terms and concept.

Well done NDD ! :lifter

I'd be curious as to the survey itself - who did the asking, how were the questions worded , was it done verbally or was it written, how random was the sample etc

Thanks for the heads up...I'll get the book. Do you have additional resources at your finger tips that I can read?

S.

Well hell, why do you think I like it? LOL

You better quit picking on me. :D

Like this

Doh!!!!

Nice avatar! Wish I had a nice avatar like yours......:rolleyes:

S.

LOL - 74 more high quality posts, you can have his.

LMAO - and made my day! Thanks guys.

S.

Back to somewhat higher quality posts:

What does this tell us about Britain? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3513704.stm

BTW, here is the link to the full Iraq poll results (in PDF format): http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/bsp...iraqsurvey.pdf

I think that the UK is suffering from the same hand wringing, grasping of the pocket books, wetting of their pants, just like Kerry and his ilk espouses. People tend to pull their heads into their shells if nothing bad happens directly to them, or they simply suffer from short memories.

Another question that I have is:

Do you see the great influx of immigrants entering the UK from Muslim countries affecting British opinion, and does this poll reflect that new populace's opinions/views.

Immigration issues are ever increasingly an issue on a sovereign nations security policy, but are they also having greater effect on the social profiles, morals, and national identity than we realize?

S.

To be honest, they're not well informed. Iraq and A-Stan only get tiny mentions at the back of even the best newspapers. Furthermore, the 'general media' have been heavily anti-war over here, and are very, very anti-Bush.
It's a confused population, at my reading.

Solid

What's on the front page?

Somewhat unrepresentative, but Britain's largets selling paper:

March 16 Guardian (left-wing, not quite as nutty as the Independent):

This reminds me of conversations I've had with battered women.

Good observation Ird. My wife counsels young women who are dealing with sexual abuse in their lives, and there is a similar condition when the abuser was a authority figure in their lives. Quite confused emotions, it takes along time for their feelings to line up with the knowledge, and acceptance of abuse. Outside intovention is absolutely required in order to change the situation.

By the way guys, the heads up on Barnett's writings was greatly appreciated, his insight into the global dynamics is quite refreshing. I'm looking forward to getting his book when it is released.

Thanks,

Maya

Maya:

I must ask:

Did you get the Roosevelt quote from Nixon or elsewhere?

I like it.

RL

NDD- Front page is dominated by economic and educational reforms. Occasionally an article about the war, but normally it's indirect: for instance about the lack of body armour for Brit squaddies in the war, but more focused on the domestic reasons why than the effects, or how the war is going right now. I haven't seen a casualty report since the insurgents bombed the outside of the police station.

Solid

Teddy's the Man
 

I am a fan of TR and Winston as men whose influence continues to reach beyond their time. I got this from a speech TR gave in France, it is just one small portion of an amazing speeh that we should hear today. Here is a site where the speeh in total can be found.

Enjoy!

http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html

Maya

Follow up on Barnett's book.
 

NDD gave me the lead on Thomas Barnett's new book "The Pentagon's New Maps", and I just picked it up yesterday. From the first 20+ pages it seems to me to be very insightful and a timely subject matter.

I'll keep you updated with my progress with the book, and give a synopsis of my humble overall impression when I complete it. It may be awhile as the book is about 385+ pages, whose concepts and positions are quite deep and thought provoking requiring many hours on the porch sipping a fine spirit while enjoying a fine cigar as one ponders our world's future.

Thanks,

Maya