I see then the entire issue shouldn't be considered because only an "expert" could possibly know. What nonsense.
i'd like to think that if you're gonna offer up an accusation that a candidate is mentally impaired to hold office, you'd have at least something stronger than "he was a pow, therefore his mind must be fucked up sufficiently such that he shouldn't be elected".
if you're gonna offer up an accusation that a candidate is mentally impaired to hold office, you'd have at least something stronger than "he was a pow, therefore his mind must be fucked up sufficiently such that he shouldn't be elected".
conservatives think that politicians should play doctor, so it's no big surprise.
he was a pow, therefore his mind must be fucked up sufficiently such that he shouldn't be elected".
But the above is not what I said. This is what I wrote: "May be he took to many beatings while he ws a POW" and "Do you get the point that McCain's years as a POW may have effected his mind?"
well...there are the ones who want to decide what medicine people cannot use, saying that marijuana has no medical use...dispite the fact that its been used as a medicine the world over for...oh...pretty much all of recorded history.
She was young, and idealistic and naive, and got caught up in the craziness.
Also from the link:
And she did all this not as a reckless youth who rashly spouted ill-considered opinions now best forgotten, but as a 34-year-old adult who should be expected to bear full responsibility for her actions.
For the good of her preoccupied persecutors, I think it's best fogotten.
But let's make-up stuff about President Bush from the same time period? I know you supported him earlier concerning the drinking claim, but others do not.
"What about the guy that already drives a small car(such as mine) and has seen his gasoline bill double?"
Compensate by taking fewer trips. Combine errands. Public transporation (provided they're not on strike).
This could be a time when you change the way you view the use of a car. This country is too dependent on automobile travel. We'll always be at someone else's mercy if we continue along this path.
If we went to war for oil, as the liberals have claimed for over a year now, where the hell is it? Why isn't Iraqi oil flowing over HERE driving down the price of gas?
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia on Sunday blamed record high U.S. gasoline prices on America's tough environmental laws and lack of refining capacity, saying OPEC's oil production policies were not at fault.
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries last week voted to cut production by 1 million barrels a day as the average price U.S. consumers paid for gasoline hit a record $1.76 per gallon.
Adel Al-Jubeir, foreign affairs adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, defended the OPEC output cut, saying global crude oil production and demand "are in balance."
"In fact, there's a slight surplus and that's why OPEC cut back,"he said in an interview on CNN's "Late Edition."
The Bush administration said it was disappointed with the cartel's move to reduce production. U.S. lawmakers have accused OPEC, and the Saudis in particular, of gouging American consumers at the pump. Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil producer and a major U.S. crude supplier.
However, Al-Jubeir said the lack of refining capacity in the United States was a key reason gasoline prices were rising.
"There has not been a refinery built in America in the last 20 years. So if you produce more crude oil but you can't refine it, it's not going to translate into gasoline," he said.
Al-Jubeir also said it was difficult for foreign oil companies and domestic suppliers to sell gasoline in the U.S. market because federal environmental regulations require dozens of different fuel blends be sold across the country to combat pollution.
As an example, he pointed out that a refinery in Springfield, Illinois, cannot sell gasoline in the Chicago market because the fuel formulas are different...
There was speculation that the cuts in production were done exactly to politically harm the Bush administration.
I don't how high gas is going to go and personally it doesn't affect me much. But there will be grumbling if it starts becoming a hardship. Grumbling in an election year is bad for an incumbent.
Will the president have the virtue to avoid plundering Iraq's?
The fact is that we did NOT have to go there in the first place, it was a MISTAKE to allow ourselves to be diverted to IRAQ when Al-Quaida was not even there, and BECAUSE of GDubbya's policy, every deuchebag-terrorist that CAN get to IRAQ and shoot our sons and daughters, is either there, or trying to GET there.
Isn't Al Queda there now, fold? Isn't it better than fighting them here? Don't you think that this was a fight we were going to have make anyway?
A soldier assures us: Our progress is amazing By JOE ROCHE
I'm a soldier with the U.S. Army serving in the 16th Combat Engineer Battalion in Baghdad.
The news you are hearing stateside is awfully depressing and negative. The reality is we are accomplishing a tremendous amount here, and the Iraqi people are not only benefiting greatly, but are enthusiastically supportive.
My job is mostly to be the driver of my platoon's lead Humvee. I see the missions our Army is performing, and I interact closely with the Iraqi people. Because of this, I know how successful and important our work is.
My battalion carries out dozens of missions all over the city — missions that are improving people's lives. We have restored schools and universities, hospitals, power plants and water systems. We have engineered new infrastructure projects and much more. We have also brought security and order to many of Baghdad's worst areas — areas once afflicted with chaos and brutality.
Our efforts to train vast numbers of Iraqis to police and secure the city's basic law and order are bearing fruit.
Our mission is vital. We are transforming a once very sick society into a hopeful place. Dozens of newspapers and the concepts of freedom of religious worship and expression are flowering. So, too, are educational improvements.
This is the work of the U.S. military. Our progress is amazing. Many people who knew only repression and terror now have hope in their heart and prosperity in their grasp. Every day the Iraqi people stream into the streets to cheer and wave at us as we drive by. When I'm on a foot patrol, walking among a crowd, countless people thank us — repeatedly.
I realize the shocking image of a dead soldier or a burning car is more salable than boring, detailed accounts of our rebuilding efforts. This is why you hear bad news and may be receiving an incorrect picture.
Baghdad has more than 5 million inhabitants. If these people were in an uprising against the United States, which you might think is happening, we would be overwhelmed in hours. There are weapons everywhere, and though we are working hard to gather them all, we simply can't.
Our Army is carrying out 1,700 convoys and patrols each day. Only a tiny percentage actually encounter hostile action. My unit covers some of the worst and most intense areas, and I have seen some of the most tragic attacks and hostility, such as the bombing of the United Nations headquarters.
I'm not out of touch with the negative side of things. In fact, I think my unit has it harder than many other Army units in this whole operation. That said, despite some attacks, the overall picture is one of extreme success and much thanks.
The various terrorist enemies we are facing in Iraq are really aiming at you back in the United States. This is a test of will for our country. We soldiers of yours are doing great and scoring victories in confronting the evil terrorists.
It better damn well be a long-term commitment. We owe that to the people or Iraq.
Straight up, Rick.
Whether you like the war or not, we're there, and we need to stay to the finish.
I agree. I think it's one of the most important events in a long long time. I think the benefits can be widespread. I heard someone today discussing many of the insurgents coming from Iran. Iran is ready for change and the young people are really driving it in Iran. The last thing the Ahyatollahs want is a next door neighbor that is successfull because if people see what they have it will be the end for their opressive regimes. Same goes with Syria etc. THat's why the thugs are doing everything they can to get us out before we hand over authority to the Iraqi's. We will be there for a long time no doubt. We're still in the Balkans after 10 years.
If we stick with it and it blossoms we can perhaps have a change in the M.E it's the only way to do so. Because the last 40 years have brought about little change to that troubled region. It's a tall order no doubt but worth it IMO. The people who want to pack and leave now are short sighted.
As long as the Iraqis kept Saddam in power, they deserved him.
Could say the same about Hitler. While it is somewhat about 9/11 it was primarily about making the world safer not just for us but all of western civilization. It is also about doing right by the Iraqi people.
We do tend to have a bit more affection for suffering people in the middle of oil-rich regions.
Somolia is oil rich ? Haiti is oil rich ? Kosovo is oil rich ? Bosnia is oil rich ? Billions in aid to Africa must mean they're oil rich. Yea it's about the oil. Attackign Afghanistan was a just a cover for that pipeline too! Yea, it's about the oil. Of course wanting a stable democracy in the middle of the place churning out jihaidiots has little to do with it I'm sure. It's all for AMOCO.
I'm not even saying it's wrong. If you don't think oil plays a part is all this, you're more naive than I thought.
Stability in an oil rich region? The free movment of oil at market prices?
And are you now comparing the scope of this war to, say, Somalia? Has the United States committed $87 billion ot Haiti? Will the United States build it's largest embassy in Kosovo?
For those Middle Eastern countries, that vast supply of oil has been a curse.
Did you know that the first written piece of music came out of Syria? The poetry, the art and the culture has been abandoned since they found this damn oil. They've turned into clan run countries that consistently stab each other in the back.
I know Rick. (Well I didn't know about the first written music being from Syria) The Mid East or Mesopotamia and Muslim culture at one point was years ahead of even Europe. Things started going south before oil was even a commodity. Somewhere along the lines thoecratic rule and fanatacism took hold. They've failed to progress in many areas. This isn't a cut on them it's just a fact that they are way behind. Their culture has stagnated and failed to grow and adapt. You mention how many times they stab eachother in the back. They do, for instance they use the Palestinains as a propoganda tool. The fact is that none of these other countries wants the Palestinains either.
Honor is a huge thing in their culture. I say that loosly because their definition can be quite different than ours. Honor and pride I think fuel that rage I believe due to pent up frustration looking at what others have and what little they have. What they fail to see is that much of that is self imposed by the Mullah's they support in exchange for someone to feed their religious fervor. I spent a pretty good chunk of time in the Mid East. There are things about their culture I'll never understand. The education given by the Sheik's, Mullahs and other various supposed holy men supported in the local madrasss is the biggest problem. They have power to teach and it is lapped up by a culture kept in the dark and skewed by the Al Jazeera's of the region.
That's why I think Iraq is so important. The only way to ever overcome this is to show them a better way. Not out of arrogance or hey look how great we are but let's face it. Most countries in the M.E are pretty backward society's. If people get a taste of freedom it's amazing what they can do. Reagan was instrumental winning the cold war. I think blue jeans and Pepsi were a huge part in that as well. The Soviet's changed because they saw what we had and wanted it. People forget that alot. It was the people that ultimately changed the Soviet Union because they wanted more out of life.
I think Iraqi's are the same. Well the majority anyway. Probably moreso than most M.E nations. Iraq had been a very moderate and well educated country before Hussein led his coup. I really belive the only way for the region to change is for the everyday person to realize that they've been lied to by their Mullah's, Sheiks and Clerics for years and been programmed to live in fear and hatred. Some won't change regardless because they're either in power or so militant and fanatical that it won't mattter. A percentage has to be written off but if a majority can change I think Iraq could be the catalyst for that.
People say Iraq isn't about the war on terror. It is more than people know. They often point to other countries and ask why we don't attack them. This isn't a war about taking ground. First of all believe it or not, we don't want to. Secondly if an attitude or perception can be altered you will defeat the system that has turned out these monsters thus winning the battle and the war. Sending aid alone will never work. Nothing we've tried has really worked for 30 years there. This war is not about gaining ground and taking objectives, it's about changing someone's mind which can be tougher than taking ground.
As for oil. It can be a blessing and a curse. It's a curse if the ruling theocrat is the one in control. If it's more diversified and used for the good of the people these places can and will flourish. This is a bold concept and the toughest battle I think we've ever taken on but I think it's the most important event in 50 years in our history. There's alot riding on it and I wish people from both sides would remember that and leave the politics at the door. Not to say one can't criticize but there's a way.
Can you say for sure that she hasn't?
Can you say for sure that she hasn't?
Yeah, I can.
What little apology she has offered was forced by self interest.
I see then the entire issue shouldn't be considered because only an "expert" could possibly know. What nonsense.
i'd like to think that if you're gonna offer up an accusation that a candidate is mentally impaired to hold office, you'd have at least something stronger than "he was a pow, therefore his mind must be fucked up sufficiently such that he shouldn't be elected".
conservatives think that politicians should play doctor, so it's no big surprise.
conservatives think that politicians should play doctor
Really? What Conservatives? Care to "Prove" that?
he was a pow, therefore his mind must be fucked up sufficiently such that he shouldn't be elected".
But the above is not what I said. This is what I wrote: "May be he took to many beatings while he ws a POW" and "Do you get the point that McCain's years as a POW may have effected his mind?"
Could be, it affected him positively.
More focused, with the ability to place things in persepective.
well...there are the ones who want to decide what medicine people cannot use, saying that marijuana has no medical use...dispite the fact that its been used as a medicine the world over for...oh...pretty much all of recorded history.
Could be, it affected him positively.
More focused, with the ability to place things in persepective.
beating therapy? You may have something there!
well...there are the ones who want to decide what medicine people cannot use,
And a lot of that advice is taken from doctors.
She was young, and idealistic and naive, and got caught up in the craziness.
Also from the link:
Well, let's just go with idealistic and naive then.
For the good of her preoccupied persecutors, I think it's best fogotten. What's being served?
For the good of her preoccupied persecutors, I think it's best fogotten.
But let's make-up stuff about President Bush from the same time period? I know you supported him earlier concerning the drinking claim, but others do not.
his wife had to start leaving AA pamphlets around the house.
So he had a problem and corrected it. What's Jane's excuse?
And what's Kerry's excuse for calling the soldiers in Vietnam murderers, rapists and thugs?
"If you LIKE paying this much for Gasoline, vote for the same team, come November."
A person can cut back on use. Fewer unnecessary trips. One less tank every two months.
Too much to ask?
"What about the guy that already drives a small car(such as mine) and has seen his gasoline bill double?"
Compensate by taking fewer trips. Combine errands. Public transporation (provided they're not on strike).
This could be a time when you change the way you view the use of a car. This country is too dependent on automobile travel. We'll always be at someone else's mercy if we continue along this path.
If you LIKE paying this much for Gasoline, vote for the same team, come November.
Vote for Kerry and at least a 50 cent per gallon tax increase at the very least!
Vote for Kerry and at least a 50 cent per gallon tax increase at the very least!
No shit, his own record proves that.
Besides, all the OPEC, blood for oil, oil can... nonsense is silly.
I've said it a million times, we get very little of our oil from OPEC nations. Most of it comes from Canada & Mexico.
Finally, even @ $2.00 a gallon, we've got damn cheapest gas compared to the rest of the world.
If we went to war for oil, as the liberals have claimed for over a year now, where the hell is it? Why isn't Iraqi oil flowing over HERE driving down the price of gas?
which expains why the gas prices go up when OPEC cuts back....okay
Saudi: Don't Blame OPEC for US Gas Prices
Sun Apr 4, 2004 05:11 PM ET
By Tom Doggett
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia on Sunday blamed record high U.S. gasoline prices on America's tough environmental laws and lack of refining capacity, saying OPEC's oil production policies were not at fault.
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries last week voted to cut production by 1 million barrels a day as the average price U.S. consumers paid for gasoline hit a record $1.76 per gallon.
Adel Al-Jubeir, foreign affairs adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, defended the OPEC output cut, saying global crude oil production and demand "are in balance."
"In fact, there's a slight surplus and that's why OPEC cut back,"he said in an interview on CNN's "Late Edition."
The Bush administration said it was disappointed with the cartel's move to reduce production. U.S. lawmakers have accused OPEC, and the Saudis in particular, of gouging American consumers at the pump. Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil producer and a major U.S. crude supplier.
However, Al-Jubeir said the lack of refining capacity in the United States was a key reason gasoline prices were rising.
"There has not been a refinery built in America in the last 20 years. So if you produce more crude oil but you can't refine it, it's not going to translate into gasoline," he said.
Al-Jubeir also said it was difficult for foreign oil companies and domestic suppliers to sell gasoline in the U.S. market because federal environmental regulations require dozens of different fuel blends be sold across the country to combat pollution.
As an example, he pointed out that a refinery in Springfield, Illinois, cannot sell gasoline in the Chicago market because the fuel formulas are different...
they are also the biggest producer of 9/11 bombers, aren't they?
which expains why the gas prices go up when OPEC cuts back....okay
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/rankings/totimportsby_country.htm
There was speculation that the cuts in production were done exactly to politically harm the Bush administration.
I don't how high gas is going to go and personally it doesn't affect me much. But there will be grumbling if it starts becoming a hardship. Grumbling in an election year is bad for an incumbent.
Will the president have the virtue to avoid plundering Iraq's?
It's a quagmire? Like when you were saying that after 1 week ?
"This is a Long-Term quagmire."
It better damn well be a long-term commitment. We owe that to the people or Iraq.
Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil producer and a major U.S. crude supplier.
crabs: they are also the biggest producer of 9/11 bombers, aren't they?
So what?
The fact is that we did NOT have to go there in the first place, it was a MISTAKE to allow ourselves to be diverted to IRAQ when Al-Quaida was not even there, and BECAUSE of GDubbya's policy, every deuchebag-terrorist that CAN get to IRAQ and shoot our sons and daughters, is either there, or trying to GET there.
Isn't Al Queda there now, fold? Isn't it better than fighting them here? Don't you think that this was a fight we were going to have make anyway?
A soldier assures us: Our progress is amazing
By JOE ROCHE
I'm a soldier with the U.S. Army serving in the 16th Combat Engineer Battalion in Baghdad.
The news you are hearing stateside is awfully depressing and negative. The reality is we are accomplishing a tremendous amount here, and the Iraqi people are not only benefiting greatly, but are enthusiastically supportive.
My job is mostly to be the driver of my platoon's lead Humvee. I see the missions our Army is performing, and I interact closely with the Iraqi people. Because of this, I know how successful and important our work is.
My battalion carries out dozens of missions all over the city — missions that are improving people's lives. We have restored schools and universities, hospitals, power plants and water systems. We have engineered new infrastructure projects and much more. We have also brought security and order to many of Baghdad's worst areas — areas once afflicted with chaos and brutality.
Our efforts to train vast numbers of Iraqis to police and secure the city's basic law and order are bearing fruit.
Our mission is vital. We are transforming a once very sick society into a hopeful place. Dozens of newspapers and the concepts of freedom of religious worship and expression are flowering. So, too, are educational improvements.
This is the work of the U.S. military. Our progress is amazing. Many people who knew only repression and terror now have hope in their heart and prosperity in their grasp. Every day the Iraqi people stream into the streets to cheer and wave at us as we drive by. When I'm on a foot patrol, walking among a crowd, countless people thank us — repeatedly.
I realize the shocking image of a dead soldier or a burning car is more salable than boring, detailed accounts of our rebuilding efforts. This is why you hear bad news and may be receiving an incorrect picture.
Baghdad has more than 5 million inhabitants. If these people were in an uprising against the United States, which you might think is happening, we would be overwhelmed in hours. There are weapons everywhere, and though we are working hard to gather them all, we simply can't.
Our Army is carrying out 1,700 convoys and patrols each day. Only a tiny percentage actually encounter hostile action. My unit covers some of the worst and most intense areas, and I have seen some of the most tragic attacks and hostility, such as the bombing of the United Nations headquarters.
I'm not out of touch with the negative side of things. In fact, I think my unit has it harder than many other Army units in this whole operation. That said, despite some attacks, the overall picture is one of extreme success and much thanks.
The various terrorist enemies we are facing in Iraq are really aiming at you back in the United States. This is a test of will for our country. We soldiers of yours are doing great and scoring victories in confronting the evil terrorists.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/editorial/outlook/2487509
It better damn well be a long-term commitment. We owe that to the people or Iraq.
Straight up, Rick.
Whether you like the war or not, we're there, and we need to stay to the finish.
yes they are...so why didn't we invade them instead?
This argument is so bogus and convoluted and overused it's ridiculous.
I agree. I think it's one of the most important events in a long long time. I think the benefits can be widespread. I heard someone today discussing many of the insurgents coming from Iran. Iran is ready for change and the young people are really driving it in Iran. The last thing the Ahyatollahs want is a next door neighbor that is successfull because if people see what they have it will be the end for their opressive regimes. Same goes with Syria etc. THat's why the thugs are doing everything they can to get us out before we hand over authority to the Iraqi's. We will be there for a long time no doubt. We're still in the Balkans after 10 years.
If we stick with it and it blossoms we can perhaps have a change in the M.E it's the only way to do so. Because the last 40 years have brought about little change to that troubled region. It's a tall order no doubt but worth it IMO. The people who want to pack and leave now are short sighted.
You would think that the UN would be clamoring to help in Iraq being as they are altruistic and all.
Be nice to have a presence there with altruistic reasons.
I imagine there are some humanitarian organizations there.
actually, it was a question...and this fails to address it
Be nice to have a presence there with altruistic reasons.
There is. That would be US.
It better not be.
I'm not interested in altruism. As long as the Iraqis kept Saddam in power, they deserved him.
I was told this is about a 16 acre hole in the middle of Manhattan.
As long as the Iraqis kept Saddam in power, they deserved him.
Could say the same about Hitler. While it is somewhat about 9/11 it was primarily about making the world safer not just for us but all of western civilization. It is also about doing right by the Iraqi people.
"It is also about doing right by the Iraqi people."
We do tend to have a bit more affection for suffering people in the middle of oil-rich regions.
We do tend to have a bit more affection for suffering people in the middle of oil-rich regions.
Unlike the French that have no sympathy for people in an oil rich region while they are profiting from it.
We do tend to have a bit more affection for suffering people in the middle of oil-rich regions.
It's called national interests.
Somolia is oil rich ? Haiti is oil rich ? Kosovo is oil rich ? Bosnia is oil rich ? Billions in aid to Africa must mean they're oil rich. Yea it's about the oil. Attackign Afghanistan was a just a cover for that pipeline too! Yea, it's about the oil. Of course wanting a stable democracy in the middle of the place churning out jihaidiots has little to do with it I'm sure. It's all for AMOCO.
It's not like they could knock down our buildings, kill our people or anything like that.
I'm not even saying it's wrong. If you don't think oil plays a part is all this, you're more naive than I thought.
Stability in an oil rich region? The free movment of oil at market prices?
And are you now comparing the scope of this war to, say, Somalia? Has the United States committed $87 billion ot Haiti? Will the United States build it's largest embassy in Kosovo?
"It's not like they could knock down our buildings, kill our people or anything like that."
Then WHERE THE HELL IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?????!!!!
I never said it wasn't, it is. But to imply that we're only altruistic in nations simply where there is oil is ridiculous.
Don't know Rick, do you think they're not looking for him ?
I just said "a bit more altruistic."
For those Middle Eastern countries, that vast supply of oil has been a curse.
Did you know that the first written piece of music came out of Syria? The poetry, the art and the culture has been abandoned since they found this damn oil. They've turned into clan run countries that consistently stab each other in the back.
I know Rick. (Well I didn't know about the first written music being from Syria) The Mid East or Mesopotamia and Muslim culture at one point was years ahead of even Europe. Things started going south before oil was even a commodity. Somewhere along the lines thoecratic rule and fanatacism took hold. They've failed to progress in many areas. This isn't a cut on them it's just a fact that they are way behind. Their culture has stagnated and failed to grow and adapt. You mention how many times they stab eachother in the back. They do, for instance they use the Palestinains as a propoganda tool. The fact is that none of these other countries wants the Palestinains either.
Honor is a huge thing in their culture. I say that loosly because their definition can be quite different than ours. Honor and pride I think fuel that rage I believe due to pent up frustration looking at what others have and what little they have. What they fail to see is that much of that is self imposed by the Mullah's they support in exchange for someone to feed their religious fervor. I spent a pretty good chunk of time in the Mid East. There are things about their culture I'll never understand. The education given by the Sheik's, Mullahs and other various supposed holy men supported in the local madrasss is the biggest problem. They have power to teach and it is lapped up by a culture kept in the dark and skewed by the Al Jazeera's of the region.
That's why I think Iraq is so important. The only way to ever overcome this is to show them a better way. Not out of arrogance or hey look how great we are but let's face it. Most countries in the M.E are pretty backward society's. If people get a taste of freedom it's amazing what they can do. Reagan was instrumental winning the cold war. I think blue jeans and Pepsi were a huge part in that as well. The Soviet's changed because they saw what we had and wanted it. People forget that alot. It was the people that ultimately changed the Soviet Union because they wanted more out of life.
I think Iraqi's are the same. Well the majority anyway. Probably moreso than most M.E nations. Iraq had been a very moderate and well educated country before Hussein led his coup. I really belive the only way for the region to change is for the everyday person to realize that they've been lied to by their Mullah's, Sheiks and Clerics for years and been programmed to live in fear and hatred.
Some won't change regardless because they're either in power or so militant and fanatical that it won't mattter. A percentage has to be written off but if a majority can change I think Iraq could be the catalyst for that.
People say Iraq isn't about the war on terror. It is more than people know. They often point to other countries and ask why we don't attack them. This isn't a war about taking ground. First of all believe it or not, we don't want to. Secondly if an attitude or perception can be altered you will defeat the system that has turned out these monsters thus winning the battle and the war. Sending aid alone will never work. Nothing we've tried has really worked for 30 years there. This war is not about gaining ground and taking objectives, it's about changing someone's mind which can be tougher than taking ground.
As for oil. It can be a blessing and a curse. It's a curse if the ruling theocrat is the one in control. If it's more diversified and used for the good of the people these places can and will flourish.
This is a bold concept and the toughest battle I think we've ever taken on but I think it's the most important event in 50 years in our history. There's alot riding on it and I wish people from both sides would remember that and leave the politics at the door. Not to say one can't criticize but there's a way.