What's going to happen (if) when we get Saddam?

[CRB#33]

I know this should probably be on the debate board, but it's such an important subject, I felt these questions should be viewed by as large a community as possible.

What will happen to Iraq after we get rid of Sadamm? Who will take over? Who will govern the different factions within that country that don't get along?

What about the countries that are doing the some of the same things that Iraq is now--Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc--especially the knowledge that they harbor terrorists cells and also support them? Are we going after them next?

What's going to happen with Saudi Arabia? There is a 25 plus percent unempolyment rate for young Saudis. They are ripe for the extreemists picking. The ruling family in this country is a bit better than they were, but shouldn't we be asking them to do something about this problem? It's a HUGE one.

Do the American people think that getting rid of Saddam is the end of all of these problems? Or the answer to them?

I ask these questions not because I necessarily disagree with our government, but because I'm scared that we're not looking at the consequences. I'm a huge worrier about consequences to our actions and I don't hear it being talked about too much.

What do you think?

 

[lisajl]

All I know is....I don't want to think about it.

It is all so scary...
I pray we will all be okay, I pray for our troops and I pray for the president to make the right decision.

God help us all....

 

[becka]

I also posted this on the DB....

Well I don't know if I am intelligent person when it comes to the US's foreign policy towards Iraq but I will take a stab at your questions.

What will happen to Iraq after we get rid of Sadamm? Who will take over? Who will govern the different factions within that country that don't get along?

The US will have to occupy Iraq for what I am afraid will be many years trying to stabilize the country and set up a working government. This is one of my biggest concerns about us invading Iraq because I don't think we will have an easy exit. There are a number of ethnic minority groups that are going to try to win and I think you are going to have small-scale civil wars. This will undoubtedly put out troops into danger for many years to come.

What about the countries that are doing the some of the same things that Iraq is now--Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc--especially the knowledge that they harbor terrorists cells and also support them? Are we going after them next?

I think one of the reasons that Bush is pressing so hard for an attack on Iraq is not only to rid the world of Saddam but to make him an example to other rogue nations (i.e. Iran, North Korea, etc.). Particularly with North Korea we will probably still go the diplomatic route because they will/do possess nuclear weapons.

What's going to happen with Saudi Arabia? There is a 25 plus percent unempolyment rate for young Saudis. They are ripe for the extreemists picking. The ruling family in this country is a bit better than they were, but shouldn't we be asking them to do something about this problem? It's a HUGE one.

I agree this is a huge problem and I don't think it will be solved until the current ruling party is out of power. The ruling family is corrupt but we as a nation are forced to pander to them due to our reliance on oil and their bases, etc. for our war in Iraq. We can try to encourage democracy but I don't think it stands much of a chance.

Do the American people think that getting rid of Saddam is the end of all of these problems? Or the answer to them?

I don't feel that getting rid of Saddam is the end of these problems. In fact I fear that it may destabilize things in the region further and may just be the beginning of our problems.

I honestly don't think there is a good solution for the US. I kind of feel that we are d*mned if we do and d*mned if we don't. We do need to deal with Saddam and I fear that force is the only answer but I fear what the long term repercussions may be.

 

[grinningghost]

There is already someone chosen to govern Iraq if/when Saddam is ousted. I can't remember his name, but I saw his picture, and heard a brief bio on him on Fox News. But yes, I'm sure the United States and Great Britian would need to spend alot of time working with the Iraqi people to stabilize the country.

 

[CRB#33]

bumping for the evening crowd.

 

[EltonJohn]

Hello CRB,

"I know this should probably be on the debate board, but it's such an important subject, I felt these questions should be viewed by as large a community as possible."

I agree.

"What will happen to Iraq after we get rid of Sadamm? Who will take over? Who will govern the different factions within that country that don't get along?"

It's interesting that you say "after we get rid of Saddam" because you are presuming since we are a great military power we will defeat them. Several weeks ago Peter Jennings I believe did a report asking, what if we fail? Vietnam should have been an easy victory, but we were trounced. What if this is Vietnam II?

Presuming that we do oust Saddam, I don't think we will have an easy exit. I agree with poster who spoke about the minority group and civil wars, etc.

"What about the countries that are doing the some of the same things that Iraq is now--Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc--especially the knowledge that they harbor terrorists cells and also support them? Are we going after them next?"

That is one of the reasons many foreigners do not support this war. Many view the U.S. as a town bully waving his big stick around, and are asking the same question as you. After Iraq will we be going after them as well?

"What's going to happen with Saudi Arabia? There is a 25 plus percent unempolyment rate for young Saudis. They are ripe for the extreemists picking. The ruling family in this country is a bit better than they were, but shouldn't we be asking them to do something about this problem? It's a HUGE one."

That's an interesting question that the Saud family needs to deal with one way or the other, but it is thier country and they can make decisions for themselves.

"Do the American people think that getting rid of Saddam is the end of all of these problems? Or the answer to them?"

I certainly don't think sacking Saddam will end terrorism, and there will always be threats to world security, that's just the way things are.

"I ask these questions not because I necessarily disagree with our government, but because I'm scared that we're not looking at the consequences. I'm a huge worrier about consequences to our actions and I don't hear it being talked about too much."

As we all should be, and there should be more debate.

"What do you think?"

I think that George W. Bush will have some explaining to do to his maker.

diane

 

[bsnyder]

I also posted on the DB:

What will happen to Iraq after we get rid of Sadamm? Who will take over? Who will govern the different factions within that country that don't get along?

The invasion will be the easy part. After that, we'll have a long term U.S. occupation, along the lines of postwar Germany & Japan. We'll have to set up an Iraqi civilian administration that can be nurtured to gradually take over from our military occupation.

What about the countries that are doing the some of the same things that Iraq is now--Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc--especially the knowledge that they harbor terrorists cells and also support them? Are we going after them next?

I don't think we'll have to go after them next. I think they'll become MUCH more cooperative!

What's going to happen with Saudi Arabia? There is a 25 plus percent unempolyment rate for young Saudis. They are ripe for the extreemists picking. The ruling family in this country is a bit better than they were, but shouldn't we be asking them to do something about this problem? It's a HUGE one.

The key is that a more progressive Iraqi state will be a model for all its' neighbors, not just Saudi Arabia.

Do the American people think that getting rid of Saddam is the end of all of these problems? Or the answer to them?

The key to all of this is - Do we, the American people, have the will to see this through and do it right?? We have to do more than just change the regime in Iraq, we have to transform the country. It's going to take a HUGE commitment! My fear is that a big majority of those that are solidly behind the decision to go to war are not thinking long term at all. The Bush Administration should begin making it much, much clearer to the American public, and I think they will, as soon as they have the final coalition firmly in place.