observer Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 - comes back to bite. As some of us said at the time of the Iraq invasion, once the Western troops left, the country would collapse into sectarian anarchy, and so it seems to be the case. Likewise, a similar scenario will develop in Afghanistan, with the Taliban retaking control. So, aside from any oil benefits, what was the point? Prior to our intervention, the Arab world was governed by secular dictators, by no means perfect, but at least it provided political stability and kept Muslim extremism in it's box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy51 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 So we've been involved in Iraq for nearly 20 years with all the loss of life & the expense to the taxpayer for what ? All we seem to have done is make ourselves targets for Muslim extremists who feel they have been wronged by the west. As you say Obs ,at least the dictators kept the situation under control. Now even their own security forces are running away from the approaching militants & another humanitarian crisis is developing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 I agree with what has already been said above.Seeing it all on the TV is very shocking and worrying indeed and it makes you wonder where on earth it will all spread to next or in the future if they continue to take their hold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2014 Essentially, what we have is a sectarian civil war throughout the region, with our "friends" the Saudis funding the Sunnis, whilst our potential enemies, the Iranians, back the Shias. Our little experiment with western style democracy didn't work with Maliki, who couldn't forget he was Shia and failed to represent all groups in Iraq. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy51 Posted June 15, 2014 Report Share Posted June 15, 2014 It seems strange that Iran are now willing to climb into bed with the Great Satan in order to restore some order to the region although i doubt Iranian forces would be at the sharp end of any action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2014 Notice Bliar is now doing the rounds, trying to salvage his reputation, by blaming current events on the Syria crisis. Apparently saying we should have intervened in Syria (yet another war); but he didn't say which side we should have supported, as ISIS are part of the anti-Assad coalition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy51 Posted June 15, 2014 Report Share Posted June 15, 2014 It is amazing really that America could have fallen into the trap of backing the Syrian opposition who it was found had links to Al Qaeda....the same could also be possible if Obama accepts the olive branch from Teheran , which would also set any western coalition on a collision course with Sunni arab states who are among our major oil suppliers. On the other hand any such co-operation could bring Iran in from the cold & add stability to the region & open up markets between many more arab states. If Iran has the ear of Al Qaeda it could also help to diffuse the current worsening situation regarding world terrorism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2014 It's certainly a soup of intrigue, deception and treachery Dave. Not sure if Al Quaeda fits with Iran, as they seem to be Sunni and Iran Shia; but according to reports they disowned ISIS for being "too extreme" ! Now we're finding that ex-Generals of Saddam's dismantled Army, have joined with ISIS, adding more fuel to the fire. So, all in all, a complete mess thanks to Western intervention in situations they don't understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 The war in Iraq was all about oil, if Iraq cannot defeat Isis, America will have to move. They may dress it up as something else, but it's all oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 The Yanks are now completely self sufficient in energy; it's just that they want to use up everyone elses oil, so they'll be the last man standing. Boots on the ground isn't really a political option for them anymore; and unstable regimes don't provide secure suppliers of oil. So basically, they need to rationalise the situation, by developing a three way division of Iraq, into a Kurdish, Sunni and Sheite States; and back anti-ISIS strikes with drones and special forces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Your missing the point Obs, Iraq will have oil long after the USA has not, its all about long term supply and the cost per barrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Errm no, it's all about the US using up everyone elses oil first ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Iraq has the 5th largest reserve in the world Obs, America is 13th the difference is massive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted June 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 precisely why the wiser yanks want to use it up first, although there are some short sighted republicans who want to reduce their "dependency on foreign oil" ! The problem they have is keeping the price down, hence their intervention in Iraq. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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