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[pottedplant]

People say we have to succeed in Iraq. People hearing people say "we have to succeed" ask, "Is it possible to succeed?" It's a good question, but it's not my question. I have a question that needs to be answered before we can even begin discussing whether it is possible to succeed in Iraq

Comments

[positron]

The goals in Iraq were twofold with one tertiary fringe benefit.

The two main goals were to (1) eliminate the supposed threat Iraq posed to the United States and the regional stability of the Middle-East and (2) create a democratic, preferably somewhat pro-Western Iraq that would serve as a cultural/political influence in the region. The idea that this change would bring about democracy in other parts of the Middle-East was often implied, but it was a bit too New American Century to be stated blatantly.

The fringe benefit was to bring the Iraqi people out from under the thumb of a brutal dictator.

Now, we could debate the legitimacy of these various goals with our 20/20 hindsight or rehash all the debates people had leading up to the invasion, but that wasn't your question. So, I'll stop here.