Disingenuous, doglover. Take a little mental trip here. Assume the Afghanistan operation had been undertaken as it was, but that Saddam had not been eliminated. Where would be the logical refuge of the surviving displaced al Queda, Taliban, and assorted jihadists? That Iraq is where many went even in the face of almost certain US intervention there, as well as the many who continued to flock there despite the attack and subsequent occupation should tell you something. Iraq is not "Bush's War", it is one aspect of The War on Terrorism, and indeed is a critical component of the struggle.
so it seems, doglover.
http://www.able2know.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28590&highlight=
(sorry, i was back at abuzz and got confused about names)
doglover, I understand some don't, or choose not to, see the connection. Now this is just my opinion, of course, but I find it fortunate those in a position to take meaningful, necessary action do see the connection and act accordingly. No speculation whatsoever is involved with the determination of the Post-Taliban refuge of those self-declared to be at, and actively prosecuting, war against Civilization, Liberty, and Justice. The Left, in particular as personified by those consumed with Bush-hatred, by their own misaprehensions, words and actions marginalize themselves, and increasingly so the more shrill and strident they become. That is fortunate, too; it assures the reigns of power will remain in responsible hands.
timberlandko wrote:Assume the Afghanistan operation had been undertaken as it was, but that Saddam had not been eliminated. Where would be the logical refuge of the surviving displaced al Queda, Taliban, and assorted jihadists? That Iraq is where many went even in the face of almost certain US intervention there, as well as the many who continued to flock there despite the attack and subsequent occupation should tell you something. Iraq is not "Bush's War", it is one aspect of The War on Terrorism, and indeed is a critical component of the struggle.
You say that Iraq is where these guys went in the face of almost certain U.S. intervention. How does that back up your point? I would argue that the almost certain intervention in Iraq is what drew them to Iraq.
I respect your right to hold and express your position, doglover, I just can't share it. BTW, I did not ascribe to you in persona and particular the attribute of Bush-Hating, but note your somewhat stereotypically knee-jerk response to an imagined slight. It is precisely such misapprehension that I see most instrumental in the inevitable failure of The Opposition to prevail come November.
kickycan, at the time they began fleeing Afghanistan, US/Coalition intervention in Iraq was not a consideration; they went where they were welcome, and many went where they could get to without passports or other documentation, and despite being under international indictment for a variety of crimes, violent and otherwise, a personal circumstance greatly restricting one's migrational opportunities. aA I said, their chief destination-of-choice, in preference even to Pakistan, Syria, Chechnya, The Balkans, or Iran, says a lot; it works for me. That it works for The Current Administration works for me too.
Do you have any documentation on that? How do you know that terrorists didn't go to Pakistan, Syria, Chechnya or Iran?
Many did go elsewhere, kickycan, it has been well documented. Also well documented is that thousands of foreign nationals, many with ties to al Queda, the Taliban, or other jihadist groups, many of whom too are known to have been in Taliban Afghanistan, are among the identified dead, captured, and wanted within Iraq.
Whats is the possibility that this was a money making deal for the kidnappers and not politically/ideologically inspired. A local gang may have decided his lebanese relatives were good for some quick ransom cash
timberlandko wrote:Many did go elsewhere, kickycan, it has been well documented. Also well documented is that thousands of foreign nationals, many with ties to al Queda, the Taliban, or other jihadist groups, many of whom too are known to have been in Taliban Afghanistan, are among the identified dead, captured, and wanted within Iraq.
But you said that Iraq was their first choice, even before the buildup to the war in Iraq. If you could provide at least one news story that backs this up, I'd be willing to take your claim more seriously.
