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 By Jack Lepiarz June 21, 2006 Iraq is not a pretty picture. Although there are many reasons to be hopeful about the future of Iraq, there are just as many reasons to think that Iraq is a quagmire. Democrats and Republicans are at each others' throats over this topic, a trend that will likely get worse as the November elections draw closer. What, however, can be done in Iraq to fix the situation? Republicans are firmly saying that we should "stay the course" in Iraq and finish what we started, which is very understandable. Most signs indicate that the government set up in Iraq is by no means ready to take charge of the country. Were the United States military to pull out of Iraq now, the likely result is that Iraq would fall into even deeper sectarian conflict. Democrats, on the other hand, want to start withdrawing soldiers from Iraq and turning the country over the Iraqis. This point, as well, is understandable. A lot of U.S. men and women have died in Iraq in what is becoming an increasingly unpopular and controversial war, one that is being more and more commonly compared to the Vietnam War. In fact, recent polls put the Iraq War only a few percentage points more popular than the Vietnam War at one of its lowest periods - which makes a very strong indication that people are by no means supportive of this war. Some of those in favor of the war argue that if the U.S. were to pull out, the terrorists would be "empowered" and would attack the United States homeland. That argument, however, is silly and baseless. Terrorists will attack the U.S. whether or not we are in Iraq. They attacked us before we became caught up in a war that had nothing to do with the War on Terror, and they will most certainly attack us afterwards. The more intelligent thing to do would be to have focused our money on homeland security instead of trying to take out a regime that ultimately proved to be a source of stability in the Middle East. Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator who had killed his own people, however, he could have been an extraordinary ally in the war against Al Qaeda. He was secular, he kept control in Iraq, and, most importantly, he was not affiliated with Al Qaeda or the 9/11 hijackings. But, back to how to solve the situation in Iraq. Right now, the United States is losing credibility in the world and especially in the Middle East, is stuck in a very unpleasant situation in Iraq, and at times, seems to have no plan as to how create a working government in Iraq, or even how to create a stable atmosphere in the country. Worse yet, it does not appear to be making any significant steps towards solving those problems. Harry Truman once said, "the country has never suffered seriously from the acts of a great president, but it has suffered by the inactions of a great many presidents." Obviously, the situation in Iraq has not improved since George W. Bush declared an end to hostilities some three years ago. The U.S. government needs to take some new action and try to improve the situation in Iraq. Trying something is always better than nothing. And that's what the U.S. needs to remember in Iraq. ------------ About the author: Jack Lepiarz is a senior at Madison High School. Born in Waco, Texas, he lived with the Big Apple Circus for much of his early childhood, eventually moving to Madison, New Jersey, where he now resides. Although he is often described as stubborn and egotistical, he tries to keep an open-mind towards new ideas and treat people the way he would like to be treated. Email: Jackwuzhere42@aol.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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