$2 million in computers for iraqi kids sold off port dock for less than $50K...

Actually life there has been slowly growing to a more normal state, but news follows the “if it bleeds it reads”. The bigger picture is people have electricity, shop at open markets for fresh food, have all the electronics that is typical of the Middle East, private and city services are steady, and schools are back in session for both boys and girls.

They still have groups, whether you call them insurgents, religious factions, or just crazy bastards that continue to push the agenda to create chaos in the hopes that the government falls and they can fill a void. This is getting lower and lower even though we saw a rise (last big push of failure) after a large number of our troops have left recently.

To see computers in the classroom with internet access will help prevent the extremist form of isolation teachings that warps many and creates much of what we see over there.

reply to post by CanadianDream420

Iraq was the most "Westernized" country... I thought it was Iran?

Actually, I think Iraq was more westernized than Iran, though not by much. As far as the most westernized Muslims, I think that "honor" would go to the Palestinians, as you generally can't tell them apart from Europeans or even Americans.

but you're bringing some of us down. US intervention worked in Japan, Germany, Peru, not so much Iran...

It didn't work in Iran because we installed a brutal dictator, after throwing out their democratically elected government. In fact, our strategy and tactics in Europe and Japan were far different from those being employed in Iraq. After WWII, our leaders weren't so greedy and the public wasn't so "dumbed-down", forcing the American government to take things slowly and tactfully.

These days, Iraq and Afghanistan are feeding troughs for US and western corporations. Add that on top of the fact that our leaders are greedy and don't really need to appease the public and you have the disaster we see today. In fact, they don't even need to pull the wool over our eyes as they did 60 years ago. While American officials needed to be tactful in their actions after WWII, they certainly don't today. Today, they are much more brazen, blatant, greedy and tyrannical.

If we followed along the same lines of what we did in Japan, we just may be able to rebuild the countries that we have destroyed. Instead, the countries we destroy are turning into a free-for-all for corporate interests.

--airspoon

Curious the timing of this. America pulls out its troops and prepares to leave Iraqis on their own, then computers destined for schools disappear.
Perhaps some do not think all invaders' gifts are good. Ever hear the term Trojan Horse?
Contrary to some opinions, Iraq was a functioning country before it was hit with 'shock and awe'. Even had a booming stock market.
The total monetary of these computers were what? Two, maybe three missiles? Imagine what could have been accomplished had the emphasis been humanitarian instead of military.
Remember the way North American Indians were treated; much the same.
Destroy their land and social systems, wipe out the warriors, then feel good about giving farming tools and religious schools.


[edit on 29-8-2010 by SimplyGord]

Originally posted by SimplyGord

Remember the way North American Indians were treated; much the same.
Destroy their land and social systems, wipe out the warriors, then feel good about giving farming tools and religious schools.

Very well said, thanks.

Folks, this whole travesty was because Saddam was switching from the Petrol Dollar to the Euro and told the UN inspectors/spies to shove it.

Don't believe the hype, unless you can't take the truth.

reply to post by CanadianDream420


It is a terrible shame and anyone who is a true humanitarian will agree, stars or no stars. No electricity. Didn't they ever hear of a laptop?

Originally posted by CanadianDream420

Originally posted by kiwifoot

What's the point of computers, poor bastards don't have electricity anyway.

One day, history will judge us harshly, just for living in these sad times.

You have to hang your head in shame when you hear of the plight of the Iraqi people.

All the best, kiwi

[edit on 29-8-2010 by kiwifoot]

Is that how you got so many S&F's?.. by denouncing the U.S any chance you get?

No you got it wrong the stars are from US members. It's the 'no electricity' comment that got the stars, and nowhere do I see any denouncing of the US in Kiwifoots post. Sadly a large portion of US members have so little knowledge of the world that they believe there is no electricity in Iraq outside US bases.

In reality you can go to many of the most isolated, obscure and deserted places on the face of the Earth and electricity is something you'll find before sanitation or infrastructure.