The Iraq Thread 2

[ralphwiggum 6]

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]If this happens, I'm going to be in the streets burning a flag and screaming for impeachment.

Hehe...please let me know when to turn on the tv - That's one thing I don't want to miss!  

You might have to come bail me out of jail.  Its not going to be pretty.

i guess you meant 'bail' as in terms of "legal monetary guarantee"?

one suggestion. have fire extinguisher close by and check with local fire department.(courtesy)

[Schoeler 0]

Quote[/b] ].  Once a yellow or red, always a yellow or red.  If this passes, there will be some serious problems in this country.  I'll never, ever, ever, fucking ever vote republican for the rest of my days.

Damnit Schoeler - I have the perfect solution for you!

Why don't you just move to my country - and become a red (commiebastard) for the rest of your precious life  

Quote[/b] ]You might have to come bail me out of jail.  Its not going to be pretty.

hehe.. I'll do that - if they let me into your country!

US Customs: are you here for business or pleasure sir?

Brgnorway  : Neither I'm afraid.......I'm here to set free a friend of mine whom your government chose put up for a while....

They'll declare you an enemy combatant and whisk you off to Guantanamo, never to be seen or heard from again.  At least you'll be warm

[IsthatyouJohnWayne 0]

Now this  is ludicrous!

The British JIC (joint intel. committee) specifically warned Blair that the threat from al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups would be increased by invading Iraq. This seems to contradict completely the only other argument of the case for war. Namely that there was some dangerous link (or potential link)between Saddam and terrorists willing to use WMD and that invading Iraq would smash that potential link. Blair said in the run up to war that risks had to judged (and thus the case for war) 'based on the intelligence' . Now it turns out he was ignoring and misrepresenting that very intelligence information in order to make the case for war look better.

Quote[/b] ]The committee raised the issue when its members privately questioned Mr Blair.

He told them: "One of the most difficult aspects of this is that there was obviously a danger that in attacking Iraq you ended up provoking the very thing you were trying to avoid.

"On the other hand I think you had to ask the question: 'Could you really, as a result of that fear, leave the possibility that in time this developed into a nexus between terrorism and WMD in any event?'

In other words 'damned if we do, damned if we dont- So lets invade Iraq!'

I never liked Blair much when he was first elected in '97- seemed like mostly hype and fake smiles (most people seemed to love him then)- but slowly over the years my respect for him started to grow.... now... i think hes a misguided bufoon. To put it rather politely.

The WMD threat was blown out of all proportion (which i already knew-but now it seems, there really were none...which is a little surprising)

Then it turns out Blairs own intelligence people were telling him before the war that invading Iraq would heighten the risk of terrorism.

I mean WTF!!!

Even after all this it could still be for the best (the opportunity of turning Iraq into a prosperous free country). Saddam and his regime is gone and Iraq could become a beacon of hope in the arab world. But TBA has been utterly cackhanded and has seemed quite unprepared in the aftermath of war. Im doubtful that the current Iraqi troubles will not still be here(and could become worse) 5 years down the line if things continue as they have. Will America (and others) be willing to stick with Iraq and swallow the

tremendous costs for a decade+?

[Albert Schweitzer 10]

I have developed a new hobby. I now like to read governmental Science fiction books!

[IsthatyouJohnWayne 0]

It goes on...

[-TU--33ker 0]

German TV said that yellow (or red) classified passengers are only allowed to board planes if they wear handcuffs!

[ralphwiggum 6]

any words on BBC sexed up inquiry?

[ralphwiggum 6]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/09/12/sprj.irq.main/index.html

Quote[/b] ]FALLUJAH, Iraq (CNN) -- A shootout involving Iraqi police and U.S. forces developed into a fierce gunbattle early Friday in central Iraq, killing at least 10 people apparently by mistake, local officials said.

Nine Iraqis and one Jordanian died in the fighting, officials said.

Iraqi police said that shooting began when three gunmen in a BMW fired at their station in Fallujah, 43 miles (about 70 kilometers) west of Baghdad. The police said they pursued the men in unmarked vehicles and fired at them.

U.S. forces fired on both the police and suspects, witnesses said.

"The shooting started at about 1 in the morning," one witness said. "It got heavier and heavier.

also two coalitions troops died.

[Renagade 0]

any words on BBC sexed up inquiry?

I realy hate that silly phrase

Now we`re talking about this stuff did u guys over there get t he news about one of our weapons inspectors killing himself,or getting hit if ur one for a conspiracy

[Tovarish 0]

any words on BBC sexed up inquiry?

I realy hate that silly phrase  

*chuckle* I can just see that phrase being the catalyst for this whole thing being turned into a porno.

"Starring Ron Jeremy as Saddam Hussein"

[Warin 0]

The fact that the US keeps shooting up Iraqi police (police that they themselves have vetted) tells me that there is something eriously wrong with the way that civil affairs are being handled in Iraq.

Is there no communication?

[ralphwiggum 6]

i doubt if there is some sort of radio communication device between US and Iraqi police for urgent use.

[bn880 5]

Like I said, going to Iraq right now should be done only if you have a deathwish. For example if Balschoiw had said "I'm going to Iraq right now" I would have told him not to be suicidal.

Now, I think since this is the US shooting up more friendlies in the same way again, members of the UN will be even more reluctant to send in their troops. And hey, if Russia sends theirs in expect to see some battles between US and Soviets. Frankly iot's well deserved they get their playing ground finally.

[Pukko 0]

any words on BBC sexed up inquiry?

I realy hate that silly phrase  

*chuckle* I can just see that phrase being the catalyst for this whole thing being turned into a porno.

"Starring Ron Jeremy as Saddam Hussein"

ROFL  

Hey, Longinius! You have proven to be maestro of script writing/directing before (the Jessica Lynch movie), and there is no doubt that the very best will be needed here too. I mean, there is nothing harder than writing porno scripts.. only the real hardcore writers have any chance to succeed    

The fact that the US keeps shooting up Iraqi police (police that they themselves have vetted) tells me that there is something eriously wrong with the way that civil affairs are being handled in Iraq.

Is there no communication?

One more time?  

At first I thought I read some old article about those 8 police officers killed by US soldiers... How many times have the same thing happened (US soldiers shooting at police cars)?

Soon there will probably be more Iraqi police officers killed by US soldiers than US soldiers killed in attacks since 'the war ended'  

[Renagade 0]

Weren`t the iraqi police not that hot under saddams rule,let the US soldiers blow em to bits for all i care

[The Frenchman 0]

Kinda off topic but if everything in this cartoon is true then...

Dang you Bush!

[ralphwiggum 6]

Kay to present report

Quote[/b] ]Sept. 12 — Where are Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction? Next week, the administration’s point man for the search, David Kay, returns to Washington with a status report.

Quote[/b] ]THE HUNT for weapons of mass destruction, so far, has been a bust. Intelligence officials told NBC News there is no smoking gun. They thought they’d discovered a biological weapons lab, but it wasn’t one.

A massive CIA investigation, led by former U.N. weapons inspector Kay, is turning up only what former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein planned — not what he produced.

“He’s not finding the kinds of things the administration expected to find — large quantities of biological and chemical weapons or evidence that they were destroyed prior to the war,†said David Albright, a former U.N. weapons inspector.

WHERE ARE THE WMDS?

Secretary of State Colin Powell, on NBC’s “Meet the Press†on Sunday, still insisted weapons of mass destruction will be found: “They will see that there was no question that such weapons exist, existed, and so did the programs to develop more.â€

According to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, speaking at a National Press Club luncheon Wednesday, “I think that the U.S. intelligence and the intelligence services of the other countries were never perfect, and it was a closed society, but sufficiently good that we’ll find the kind of evidence of programs that Secretary Powell presented to the United Nations.â€

SEARCH CONTINUES

U.S. officials told NBC News that Navy divers are beginning to search a reservoir in northern Iraq after reports of barrels at the bottom that could contain chemical weapons or missile parts.

And two former Iraqi officials have told the United States that Iraq was hiding Scud missiles in a railroad tunnel as late as 2002. But they say they were blown up before U.N. inspectors could find them.

Iraqis have also told the United States that Saddam planned to rebuild a nuclear program if sanctions were lifted.

But the CIA’s best evidence so far of nuclear equipment is plans for a centrifuge, buried in a garden 12 years ago after the first Iraq war.

What about those unmanned planes the United States said could have been used to spray biological or chemical weapons? An Air Force report from October says they were never built for that purpose:

“Baghdad’s UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] could threaten Iraq’s neighbors, U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf, and if brought close to, or into, the United States, the U.S. Homeland. An Iraqi UAV procurement network attempted to procure commercially available route planning software and an associated topographic database that would be able to support targeting of the United States, according to analysis of special intelligence. The Director, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, U.S. Air Force, does not agree that Iraq is developing UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms for chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents. The small size of Iraq’s new UAV strongly suggests a primary role of reconnaissance, although CBW delivery is an inherent capability.â€

Despite the failed search, at Fort Stewart, Ga., on Friday, President Bush again raised the specter of Saddam’s weapons: “Because of our military, catastrophic weapons will no longer be in the hands of a reckless dictator.â€

But members of his national security team are now saying removing Saddam was justification enough for the war — that he himself was a weapon of mass destruction.

[Longinius 1]

"Weren`t the iraqi police not that hot  under saddams rule,let the US soldiers blow em to bits for all  i care"

Yes, and by the same reasoning, let the Iraqis blow the US soldiers to bits for all I care.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,360177,00.html

According to this Swedish article, both coalition and Iraqi police where chasing the criminals. The police officers ended the pursuit when they lost the criminals, turned their cars and was then fired upon by some reason by coalition soldiers. Gunshots from this fight damaged the Jordanian hospital and soldiers there returned fire.

Ouchie... Looks like the US has full control of the occupied territories, and they are working perfectly with their allies.

[IsthatyouJohnWayne 0]

Quote[/b] ]"The BBC's Barbara Plett in Baghdad says it appears there were three police vehicles - one an unmarked pick-up with a rear-mounted machine gun - chasing a fourth vehicle containing gunmen.

 

US forces were said to have opened fire on the police vehicles after being surprised by the armed pick-up truck that failed to stop at the checkpoint."

If true then you have to wonder what the Iraqi police were thinking (given the record of troops in central Iraq of shooting at anything suspicious looking). Anyway its all ok now- A US military spokesman has said sorry. Theres going to be a 'high-level investigation' . Maybe they could also get around to investigating where those threatening WMD have gotten to (+the terrorist links)?

+ TBA could say sorry to the UN for being asses. And Osama Bin Laden could turn himself in and become a death row talk show host on the Fox Network, Sharon and Arafat could become a slap stick comedy double act, then Rumsfeld could come out and set up a gay S&M bar in Berlin, Bush could become a conceptual artist making sensitive artwork with pretzels and bullshit and everyone could live happily ever after. The end.

[Jinef 2]

Communication isn't the Americans strongpoint, i now believe they give their soldiers a lot more responsibility than the British military does. Maybe this is the difference?

I was watching a TV program (very reliable piece of info i know ) about where a British special forces team was tasked with destroying a command and control bunker in Iraq (91) and after risking their lives infiltrating they find it had been bombed by the US airforce, so they just destroyed a microwave dish and buggered off, coming under enemy fire.

I also know people who will be trying to contact US assets that actually ignore them, one fighter guy had to reroute his awacs request through his airfield for christ's sake! Then people will ask about the patriot incident, technical failure or lack of confirmation for a target?

I honestly have no idea how the administration can say it is doing well in Iraq, it has turned into one ongoing police action that will sap lives over a very long time.

I do think that the Americans will have to expect to stay in Iraq for maybe 10 years more. That isn't nice, every so often someone will be notified of thier relative dying, it will very probably become an essential tour of duty for Army personell, like Northern Ireland was.

Welcome to world domination guys, do you love the smell of blood yet?

The American Dream

[ralphwiggum 6]

French Strikes back

Quote[/b] ]Saying it is time to put aside differences with France, the Texas Democrat circulated a letter on Monday urging the U.S. House of Representatives to put back the word "French" in fries and toast on House cafeteria and dining hall menus.

[Pukko 0]

Quote[/b] ]To get international help to rebuild Iraq, Congress may have to eat some French fries and French toast, according to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

change fries and toast to **** and ******, and I'm all for it  

However I got a feeling that a UN resolution will be put through later this month, or soon anyway. The situation can't continue like it does. Unfortionally I also think that France and Germany is going to make some cheap compromises to get it over with, without asking Bush & Blair to bend over a little more (or at all).

[Tex -USMC- 0]

Caught the daily Pentagon briefing today- hilarious as usual (huge international coalition, good of the Iraqi people, etc), but things really got good when one of the reporters broached the subject of WMD. Naturally, no answer was forthcoming- instead, Rummy just did the 'ol Potomac two-step about not having seen an interrim report yet, and wasn't able to comment. Squirm, you motherfucker!

[Bluesman 0]

If they really wanted to heal the relations they should give them their real name "Pommes Frites". That would at least heal the realtions with Belgium since they created the dish.

Never understood why the French would be insulted by "French Fries" since there never was any such dish in France.

And since we now know it gives you cancer maybe they should stop eating it altogether ;)

BM

[Tex -USMC- 0]

Quote[/b] ]If they really wanted to heal the relations they should give them their real name "Pommes Frites".

Fried apples?

Quote[/b] ]That would at least heal the realtions with Belgium since they created the dish.

Ahh yes, it is indeed time for healing. I think we can all agree that the bloody Freedom Fry War of 1982 was a low point in Belgian-American relations, and that it's time to move on.

Quote[/b] ]Never understood why the French would be insulted by "French Fries" since there never was any such dish in France.

I don't think they are 'insulted' by this whole French fry thing so much as 'amused'.

Quote[/b] ]And since we now know it gives you cancer maybe they should stop eating it altogether ;)

Whoa, when did this happen? Potatoes deep-fried in grease cause cancer??