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General Category => World News => Topic started by: mystery-ak on August 17, 2013, 01:57:23 pm

Title: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: mystery-ak on August 17, 2013, 01:57:23 pm: http://news.sky.com/story/1129837/iraq-violence-baghdad-asks-for-us-help (http://news.sky.com/story/1129837/iraq-violence-baghdad-asks-for-us-help)

Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Baghdad seeks assistance from the US after 1,000 are killed in terror attacks in a month amid an increasing threat from al Qaeda.

Iraq has asked the United States for new help to fight extremists in the country less than two years after it forced American troops to withdraw.

The request follows a resurgence of violence across Iraq and a renewed threat from al Qaeda extremists.

The White House has largely turned its attention away from Iraq since US forces left in 2011.

But the country has recently been hit with deadly bombings at a rate reminiscent of Iraq's darkest days, stoking new fears of a civil war.

More than 1,000 Iraqis were killed in terror-related attacks in July, the deadliest month since 2008.

The violence has spurred Baghdad to seek new US aid to curb the threat, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

He said a US assistance package could include a limited number of advisers, intelligence analysis and surveillance assets including lethal drones.

"There is greater realisation in the Iraq government that we should not shy away from coming and asking for some help and assistance," Mr Zebari said in Washington.

He described US interest in Iraq after the 2011 troop withdrawal as "indifferent, completely" but said that seemed to shift as the White House realised al Qaeda's resurrection there.

"Recently I noticed, and during this visit specifically, there is a renewed interest because of the seriousness of the situation and the challenges," Mr Zebari said.

"I think that is because of the threat of terrorism, the threat of the renewal of al Qaeda and its affiliates has become a serious, serious concern to the US."

American troops left Iraq in December 2011 as required under a 2008 security agreement.

Both countries tried to negotiate plans to keep several thousand US forces in Iraq beyond the deadline to maintain security.

But the proposal fell through after Baghdad refused to give the troops immunity from legal charges, as Washington demanded.

Some 4,500 US troops were killed, and American taxpayers spent at least $767bn (£490bn) during the nearly nine years of war in Iraq.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Oceander on August 17, 2013, 02:18:52 pm: Didn't they more or less tell us to not let the door hit us on the way out a while back? Why go back where you're really not welcome?
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: alicewonders on August 17, 2013, 03:04:06 pm: No. NO. and HELL NO!

We've lost enough American lives in that hell hole. Bring them all home & let them kill each other. I'm sick to death of it all.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: EC on August 17, 2013, 03:22:58 pm: Quote from: alicewonders on August 17, 2013, 03:04:06 pm
No. NO. and HELL NO!

We've lost enough American lives in that hell hole. Bring them all home & let them kill each other. I'm sick to death of it all.

I agree.

Having said that ....

If the West doesn't help (which means the USA, pretty much), the Chinese will be more than happy to assist. Is that risk worth it?
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: alicewonders on August 17, 2013, 03:34:48 pm: Quote from: EC on August 17, 2013, 03:22:58 pm
I agree.

Having said that ....

If the West doesn't help (which means the USA, pretty much), the Chinese will be more than happy to assist. Is that risk worth it?

Right now America is weakening herself - abroad and at home. We need to regroup and restrengthen. The Chinese and the Russians know that we are weak right now & they are making plans as we speak. To further keep diluting ourselves in this strategy of failure will not strengthen us for the future that lies ahead.

Our enemies are smiling with glee that we are bankrupting ourselves, fighting wars that we're not allowed to win, opening our borders up to people that don't respect America................all the while - we're talking about rodeo clowns, teenage thugs in hoodies, and transgender rights to use any bathroom they so choose.

We are idiots.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Oceander on August 17, 2013, 03:39:56 pm: Quote from: EC on August 17, 2013, 03:22:58 pm
I agree.

Having said that ....

If the West doesn't help (which means the USA, pretty much), the Chinese will be more than happy to assist. Is that risk worth it?

Then we should be helping in the service of our own national interests - as was done during the Cold War - and not in some misguided sense of nation-building. The Neo-cons were dead wrong about nation-building and starting down that road was one of the worst foreign policy decisions GW Bush made.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: aligncare on August 17, 2013, 03:41:58 pm: Yes! Let the Chinese squander their human and material assets. They'll run into the same problems that other nations have faced in that part of the world: intractable resistance.

Islamic religious imperialism has been on crusade since the 5th Century. I think it's time to abandon any hope of outsiders dragging the Middle East to modernity. It has to come from within.

Oops ... 7th Century.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 03:48:22 pm: Quote from: Oceander on August 17, 2013, 02:18:52 pm
Didn't they more or less tell us to not let the door hit us on the way out a while back? Why go back where you're really not welcome?

Pretty much, yeah. And when they were trying to negotiate a post-2011 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Iraq wanted to call all of the shots. The US walked away and I was glad to see that.

So they've pulled cute little stunts like making the visa process downright painful for the few remaining military and accompanying civilians there.

Now that the trouble we all knew would come is rearing its ugly head in Iraq, they want to play nice with us.

Iraq's government is as corrupt as ours is.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Scottftlc on August 17, 2013, 03:49:37 pm: "We are idiots"

As true a statement as has ever been written on this, or any other, site.

Sometimes simplicity is the most effective form of communication.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 03:50:45 pm: Quote
Our enemies are smiling with glee that we are bankrupting ourselves, fighting wars that we're not allowed to win, opening our borders up to people that don't respect America................all the while - we're talking about rodeo clowns, teenage thugs in hoodies, and transgender rights to use any bathroom they so choose.

True. And our worst enemies are those in Washington.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: EC on August 17, 2013, 03:53:29 pm: Quote from: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 03:48:22 pm
Pretty much, yeah. And when they were trying to negotiate a post-2011 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Iraq wanted to call all of the shots. The US walked away and I was glad to see that.

So they've pulled cute little stunts like making the visa process downright painful for the few remaining military and accompanying civilians there.

Now that the trouble we all knew would come is rearing its ugly head in Iraq, they want to play nice with us.

Iraq's government is as corrupt as ours is.

Bolded for truth.

You home? I hope so!
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: famousdayandyear on August 17, 2013, 04:12:54 pm: US: Stay away. Let the sons of Islam get after each other. Mohammed (peas be upon him) is hanging around there to help out.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 06:38:45 pm: Quote from: EC on August 17, 2013, 03:53:29 pm
Bolded for truth.

You home? I hope so!

YES! :lotsosmileys:
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: EC on August 17, 2013, 07:02:34 pm: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

Welcome home!
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: alicewonders on August 17, 2013, 07:48:10 pm: Whoo Hoo!! Welcome home Allegra!

:bighug: :broc: :rolling: :0012: 034 0052
:eleph: :headbang: :dancer: :woohoo: :elephant:
:flag: *girl beer* :hands: :martini:
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Ford289HiPo on August 17, 2013, 07:54:18 pm: Quote from: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 06:38:45 pm
YES! :lotsosmileys:

When are you headed back to the AoR? (and don't tell me "Never".) :tongue2:

I should be heading to Atterbury on Friday.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 18, 2013, 05:51:12 pm: Thanks all of you for the warm welcome home! Good to be back! :beer:
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 18, 2013, 05:55:01 pm: Quote from: Ford289HiPo on August 17, 2013, 07:54:18 pm
When are you headed back to the AoR? (and don't tell me "Never".) :tongue2:

I should be heading to Atterbury on Friday.

Never, ever, ever! :silly: :silly: :silly:

Probably right after football season. Hey, I've got my priorities, y'know.

Enjoy Atterbury! At least it won't look like Siberia as it did when I went through there the first week of February. And the All Ranks Club isn't bad.

Stay in touch when you get over there to Disneyland and stay safe!
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: mystery-ak on August 18, 2013, 06:19:35 pm: Quote
I should be heading to Atterbury on Friday.

Camp Atterbury in In?....are you deploying????
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Ford289HiPo on August 18, 2013, 06:38:49 pm: Quote from: mystery-ak on August 18, 2013, 06:19:35 pm
Camp Atterbury in In?....are you deploying????
Yes. Heading to Af-stan(again)

Get it? :whistle:

Af-stan........again?

OK, I don't have the best sense of humor.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Ford289HiPo on August 18, 2013, 06:40:07 pm: Quote from: Allegra on August 18, 2013, 05:55:01 pm
Never, ever, ever! :silly: :silly: :silly:

Probably right after football season. Hey, I've got my priorities, y'know.

Yep! It gets in the blood. I really need to retire one of these days......................................................

yeah.....whenever ^-^
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: EC on August 18, 2013, 06:40:58 pm: Quote from: Ford289HiPo on August 18, 2013, 06:38:49 pm
Yes. Heading to Af-stan(again)

Get it? :whistle:

Af-stan........again?

OK, I don't have the best sense of humor.

Better find one - gonna need it. :laugh:

Stay safe, OK? Ducking is an option.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: mystery-ak on August 18, 2013, 06:42:11 pm: Quote from: Ford289HiPo on August 18, 2013, 06:38:49 pm
Yes. Heading to Af-stan(again)

Get it? :whistle:

Af-stan........again?

OK, I don't have the best sense of humor.

So you must be Nat'l Guard?....hubby did 2 tours in Iraq and son did one....my prayers are with you :0001:
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Allegra on August 18, 2013, 07:10:13 pm: Quote from: Ford289HiPo on August 18, 2013, 06:38:49 pm
Yes. Heading to Af-stan(again)

Get it? :whistle:

Af-stan........again?

OK, I don't have the best sense of humor.

Grrroannn....LOL
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Oceander on August 18, 2013, 07:15:13 pm: Quote from: Allegra on August 17, 2013, 03:48:22 pm
* * *

Iraq's government is as corrupt as ours is.

They - Iraq - learned from the best!
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: famousdayandyear on August 18, 2013, 09:30:51 pm: Quote from: Oceander on August 18, 2013, 07:15:13 pm
They - Iraq - learned from the best!

But we're so tolerant here: freedom of expression and freedom of association are rights.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: massadvj on August 18, 2013, 10:39:37 pm: Let's see. We are funding Al Qaeda in Syria, and now there is a resurgence of Al Qaeda in next door Iraq. I am certain these two events are unrelated since Al Qaeda is well known to have been crushed as a global force by OPapaDoc and now can operate only on a local basis. Maybe we should send more money to the Al Qaeda forces in Syria so they'll tell their Iraqi brothers to make nice in Iraq. That's the way it works, isn't it? Isn't it?
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: EC on August 18, 2013, 10:47:18 pm: Quote from: massadvj on August 18, 2013, 10:39:37 pm
That's the way it works, isn't it? Isn't it?

Gonna tell you something I was told once.

"Sir, the rebels are retreating."
"Ok, who screwed up and how?"
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: Ford289HiPo on August 19, 2013, 12:14:11 am: Quote from: mystery-ak on August 18, 2013, 06:42:11 pm
So you must be Nat'l Guard?....hubby did 2 tours in Iraq and son did one....my prayers are with you :0001:

Nope. I'm just an old soldier who can't seem to take his combat boots off. I've been contracting on-and-off since I retired from the Army in '99.
Title: Re: Iraq Violence: Baghdad Asks For US Help
Post by: mystery-ak on August 19, 2013, 01:21:04 am: Quote from: Ford289HiPo on August 19, 2013, 12:14:11 am
Nope. I'm just an old soldier who can't seem to take his combat boots off. I've been contracting on-and-off since I retired from the Army in '99.

After 41 years my hubby finally took his off....so I know what you are going through.