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A lot of modern nation-states didn't spring up over night--there were years and years of ethnic divisions, rebellions, annexations of neighboring states, and so on. Eventually if you have enough wealth or a strong state and not a high level of economic equality all the various tribes, cultures, ethnic groups might get along well enough to have a sustainable state(though even in Europe you'll occasionally have pesky Basques or Irish Catholics stirring up trouble). And on the other hand a lot of places like China or still consolidating within their own borders to make all land under their control more "Chinese".
A lot of these Middle Eastern and African states are the quick creations of colonial cartogrophers dividing up other kingdoms. That's why Iraq is less of thing that stirs pride among it's citizens than alliances based on religion or ethnicity. Realistically Kurdistan should be it's own state, the Sunnis in Iraq should be in their own state and Shiites should be in their own state--because you're not going to get some patriotic "Iraqi" ruler who urges all Iraqis to look past their religous/ethnic differences and unite as one--you're more likely going to have people like Maliki who are looking out for their fellow Shiites and looking to Shiite states like Iran for backing. Same reason that Yugoslavia didn't work.
Hey- are you all still upset with Lebron? I can't stand the guy. Go Spurs Go!!!
I've really lost all interest in the NBA. I suppose by default I'm a Cavaliers fan being from Cleveland and all, but that's it. Having said that, with the spectacle that was "The Decision" I have no love for him. As far as I'm concerned, he can stay gone. I was glad the Spurs won.
Now back to the topic at hand... I agree with your last post in regards to Iraq (or anywhere in the ME for that matter). Let them handle it themselves. If those people over there want to continue to live like uncivilized s*** heads, it should not come at the cost of more American lives!
A lot of modern nation-states didn't spring up over night--there were years and years of ethnic divisions, rebellions, annexations of neighboring states, and so on. Eventually if you have enough wealth or a strong state and not a high level of economic equality all the various tribes, cultures, ethnic groups might get along well enough to have a sustainable state(though even in Europe you'll occasionally have pesky Basques or Irish Catholics stirring up trouble). And on the other hand a lot of places like China or still consolidating within their own borders to make all land under their control more "Chinese".
A lot of these Middle Eastern and African states are the quick creations of colonial cartogrophers dividing up other kingdoms. That's why Iraq is less of thing that stirs pride among it's citizens than alliances based on religion or ethnicity. Realistically Kurdistan should be it's own state, the Sunnis in Iraq should be in their own state and Shiites should be in their own state--because you're not going to get some patriotic "Iraqi" ruler who urges all Iraqis to look past their religous/ethnic differences and unite as one--you're more likely going to have people like Maliki who are looking out for their fellow Shiites and looking to Shiite states like Iran for backing. Same reason that Yugoslavia didn't work.
Thats what I am saying.
Either divide up Iraq into proper states or take over the country and split oil profits until they can come up with a solution to the never ending violence and hate.
I personally believe that Iraq should be split between 3 nations: one each for the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. The only major issue is that Turkey and Iran would be pissed with the creation of a Kurdish nation ... it would cause Kurds in their own countries to try and break away to join the Kurds in former northern Iraq.
However, I must admit that taking control of the oil sure does sound appealing. At least we would be able to get something out of the deaths of 4,000+ Americans between 2003-2011. Perhaps we take the coastal area south of Basra (lots of oil there) and leave the rest to the natives.
Im more interested in expanding Manifest Destiny into Latin America and the Pacific. The Muslims are too much trouble ....
Either divide up Iraq into proper states or take over the country and split oil profits until they can come up with a solution to the never ending violence and hate.
One solution would be to set aside their differences and form an alliance to attack the invading country and oust them. And of course, globally they would garner a lot of support to do so.
Would this be a good time to point out that Canada, yes us little guys up here, has MORE oil in the ground than either Iraq or Saudi Arabia does ?
And we are your next door neighbour, and we are willing to sell oil to you are less than world price ?
Next time somebody starts complaining about having to go over there, to fight for oil, point out what I just wrote.
And add this point.............If the US Government decides to cancel the pipeline from Alberta to the southern States......we can all ways sell OUR oil to the rest of the world, at world market prices. As a matter of fact, we are currently discussing a pipeline from Alberta, to the west coast. That would be our choice to make, right?
As it stands right now , today.......Canada supplies about forty percent of the oil and natural gas that the US depends on to run it's economy. And we aren't a terrorist country, and it doesn't take super tankers to get our oil to your refineries, either. You need to approve that pipeline.
Either divide up Iraq into proper states or take over the country and split oil profits until they can come up with a solution to the never ending violence and hate.
Taking over the country will just require much more American blood to be spilled--and money--and more international antagonism directed at us. Not worth it.
We try to think we can control the direction of a lot of countries and it usually backfires. Meanwhile China stays out of countries affairs just makes them deals and build infrastructure(while gaining new markets) and gets basically better results these days. Why fight or try to change the status quo in places that's just going to end up with another dictator?
One solution would be to set aside their differences and form an alliance to attack the invading country and oust them. And of course, globally they would garner a lot of support to do so.
They were governing themselves pretty well until we, the Americans, bombed the crap out them for no reason.
It is time we come to this realization: we need to stay the eff out of other countries' businesses.
You call mass oppression, tyranny, and genocide governing well? hahaha
Oh brother
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