I've been duped...EDIT: It would appear that I wasn't duped

[Auric]

Originally posted by: etech
Auric

And at the end of it all there is still no justification for the statement that the US somehow gave Iraq the green light to invade Kuwait.

From what I have seen it was never suggested they gave the green light but that it was not understood exactly what was was implied by Iraq's query and at the critical moment the US diplomat involved was otherwise occupied by some change over or holiday or something and I got the impression that the response was rather casual and did not accurately reflect true policy or proper consulation with Washington. If anyone can dig up specific info on the event it would be most intelesting. If what Aziz said was really their point of view at the time then perhaps they were asking for clarification on US intentions. Perhaps the USA simply did not understand how desperate a situation Iraq was in and was too concerned with just lowering the cost of oil. The notion that the USA deliberately and knowlingly forced Iraq to war with Kuwait only so they in turn could go to war with Iraq seems absurd since, again, they were already getting when they wanted. And if this was the case then they would not have halted short of toppling Saddam. Yes, Anglo-American interests do routinely conspire against the region but that does not mean everything that takes place is part of a conspiracy. Perhaps what the Iraqi's do not appreciate is the everyday incompetence and innefficiencies in Western governments.

 

[conjur]

They are just petrified of Saddam

Iraqi exiles, now U.S. citizens, talk to their families in Iraq by phone. Their relatives tell horrific stories of the situation in Basra, saying their loved ones want an uprising but they remain afraid of Saddam's regime.

 

[exp]

There will always be mixed sentiment in Iraq, but the bottom line is that we won't know how Iraqis feel until after the smoke clears (meaning that Saddam is gone and humanitarian aid is flowing). Until that time we can never be sure whether statements by Iraqis spring from fear of Saddam's regime or the coalition forces, and/or frustration/desperation over the food & water shortage. I think it will be a long time before public opinion can be accurately gauged by outsiders.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: exp
There will always be mixed sentiment in Iraq, but the bottom line is that we won't know how Iraqis feel until after the smoke clears (meaning that Saddam is gone and humanitarian aid is flowing). Until that time we can never be sure whether statements by Iraqis spring from fear of Saddam's regime or the coalition forces, and/or frustration/desperation over the food & water shortage. I think it will be a long time before public opinion can be accurately gauged by outsiders.

True...but I've just a gut feeling that once the fear factor is removed the people will realize they are safe to say what they will and do what they will. And the humanitarian aid won't hurt.