So we've actually made things worse have we?

[Donut]

This is great!


'Terror threat high despite Iraq victory'
By Patrick Hennessy, Deputy Political Editor, Evening Standard
31 July 2003

The overthrow of Saddam Hussein has not lessened the security threat to Britain from weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism, MPs warned today.

The Commons foreign affairs committee said that the war in Iraq may actually have "impeded" efforts to combat Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda terror network.

In a report on the foreign policy aspects of the war against terrorism, the committee said it was essential to rebuild relations with allies such as France following the disagreements over Iraq, to tackle terrorism effectively.

The report warned that although some senior al Qaeda leaders had been captured those at large, including Bin Laden himself, could still "lead and guide the organisation towards further atrocities".

Al Qaeda had "dangerously large numbers of foot soldiers", while the war against Iraq may have enhanced the organisation's appeal to Muslims - particularly in the Gulf region.

"The war in Iraq might in fact have impeded the war against al Qaeda," the report said.

"In spite of some notable progress, al Qaeda continues to pose a substantial threat to British citizens in the United Kingdom and abroad."

At the same time, the report said, the Government must face the threat from the spread of weapons of mass destruction elsewhere in the world.

"We cannot conclude that these threats have diminished significantly, in spite of 'regime change' in Iraq and progress in capturing some of the leaders of al Qaeda," it added.

# US administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer said today it is "not unrealistic" to think the country could hold elections by the middle of next year.

Polls will be held once a new constitution has been accepted by the Iraqi people in a referendum, he added. Meanwhile, two more US soldiers were killed in Iraq today making a total of 52 since America declared major combat over on 1 May.

------------------------------------------

I'll certainly sleep better tonight then!

[Timber Loftis]

Given the situation now, as it stands, without second-guessing or pointing fingers based on 20/20 hindsight, what should be done?

[Moiraine]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: Given the situation now, as it stands, without second-guessing or pointing fingers based on 20/20 hindsight, what should be done?

The answer is in the article, Timber : "In a report on the foreign policy aspects of the war against terrorism, the committee said it was essential to rebuild relations with allies such as France following the disagreements over Iraq, to tackle terrorism effectively."

I also have heard this morning on the radio that the warlords are coming back to Afghanistan, and that the Talibans are getting again more and more vocal. Maybe ending a war properly - and completely - before starting another is an option to consider.

EDIT : Not being a "Told you so" kind of girl, but I just read this : "'European anti-terrorist officials warned that an invasion of Iraq will worsen the threat of Islamic terrorism', as reported by the Los Angeles Times (January 30, 2003)." OK, OK, no hinsight. Is hindforesight allowed ?

[ 07-31-2003, 11:52 AM: Message edited by: Moiraine ]

[Timber Loftis]

The return of the Taliban would just be the US's SOP in foreign wars for the past three decades. Go in, fight a bit, prop up a leader we like, and get out. Then forget about it until the next problem rears its ugly head in 2 decades. Let us not forget who helped Saddam get into power.

It's like a neverending game of whack-a-mole.

Hindforesight must be a new word. You should copyright it. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 07-31-2003, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]

[john]

It's the age old job security don't finish anything or we wont have any place to try out our new weapons next time!! Plus as any fool knows theres BIG money in war! Ask Chaney he knows.

[Chewbacca]

I wish the war forum was archived so I can show how foresight can be 20/20 as well.

[Grendal]

ROTFL....whack a mole!

[Djinn Raffo]

Originally posted by Chewbacca: I wish the war forum was archived so I can show how foresight can be 20/20 as well.

Remember the 'Where are the Apologies' thread!


edit> WHITE DRAGON!!!!!! WHOOOOOOO

[ 07-31-2003, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: Djinn Raffo ]

[Mouse]

Sssshhhhh....you can still find the War Forum. It's here

Don't tell everyone, else they'll all want a look!

[Chewbacca]

Mouse let the cat out of the bag..how's that for a a strange occurance? [img]smile.gif[/img]