Yes, there’s turmoil. Yes, there are insurgents, factions, and hatred. It’s true that Saddam kept something of a lid on these issues (by brutally killing hundreds of thousands whenever they got a bit too feisty). Yes, the US is there for it’s own self interest. But the overall effect, IMHO, is very positive. The fact that it is louder than it was does not necessarily mean that it’s worse than it was.

‘Did we fail to rid Iraq, and the world, of a hideous dictator?’
- Probably not, but he’s still alive…
‘Did we fail to guide the Iraqis through the throes of forming a constitutional democracy?’
- Yes! Most definately! The people is split in two and the country is on the edge of civil war. And the elected gouvernment has no powers over the US presence.
‘Did we fail to help them form a government?’
A government is formed, but it’s probably more loyal to the US then to the Iraqi people.
‘Did we fail to improve their economy?’
Who are ‘they’? President Bush and his family and friends? Yes, they have become a lot richer on this war. Iraq? Their country is in ruins and their oil is controlled by the US, so no, they are not richer.
‘Did we fail to prevent further terrorist attacks here at home?’
No further attacks after 9/11 yet. But the growth of terrorists and sympathy for their cause is a fact and of course related to US attacks and politics in the Middle East.
‘Did we fail to decapitate the terrorist leadership in Iraq? (Note that I use the term figuratively rather than than with the literal interpretation that our enemies use.)’
When one leader is gone another takes his place. And you are stimulating the growth of the organizations.
‘Did we fail to change the regime in Afganistan, and deprive our enemy of its primary base of training and operation?’
Here also is a US-friendly government without major support in the population ‘elected’ under armed US guard. And the mountain areas in the north is still the main land of Al Qaida.
‘Did we fail to train the Iraqis to begin to take responsibility for their own security?’
Hard to say, hopefully yes.

You know, unca Bob, I thought that Shelley the Republican was a joke. I understand now that she is real.

stein

In earlier messages you claimed that Iraq was independent.
Read this: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10395379

The “elected” Iraqi Prime Minister does not approve of the US attacks on Baghdad, yet has no power to stop it!

Is this what your brand of democracy is about?

Wake up and listen to facts. Otherwise, you will always continue to believe “my country, right or wrong, is always right.”

Start thinking logically, if you can.