Dubla,
If we help Iraq re-build, and I think that we will because the US has other interests in Iraq besides liberating the Iraqis, I think that our government will receive all manner of opposition. I know it is probably not acceptable to you to say that l I have a strong gut feeling about it.
The Iraqis are not like you and me and the rest of western, Christian civilization. Have you read the Quran? I did right after 9-11. Whereas, we (Christians and Jews) are considered to be sisters of the book, the Quran is very specific, if we attack them, they are to fight us to the death, to kill us by any means possible. Mohammed was very specific about this. Our society is viewed by the more fundamental factions of Islam to be Satanic. WE are their "axis of evil". Fundies are a problem in any society.
As far as oppression goes, you were once a JW. If the society oppressed you in God's name, you more than likely accepted it as being God's word and did your best to be obedient. Those who were in "the truth" looked with fear upon those who weren't. Face it, many people like to be told how to worship Jehovah, Allah, etc. At one time, you would have gladly accepted oppression if it would protect you from God's wrath. You have grown past that now but it probably took you years even with the freedom of thought that you enjoy, for the most part, in the US. But how do you expect the Iraqis to suddenly change their world view after thousands of years of "business as usual"?
Remember Iran? The shah? The shah was the US's buddy. The Iranians ran his butt out of the country and replaced him with the Ayatollah. Back in the 70's I had a couple of male friends who were from "Persia" and they were in the US to attend college. They were pleased to be here. But when the problems started between Iran and the US, they thought nothing of returning to their home country to take up arms, if needed. I could never understand that. And that is the problem we are facing now. We do not understand the Iraqis. To assume that they will calmly accept rule by the infidel is to underestimate them and to dismiss any sentiments that they may have towards us as being unimportant.
Because we do not consider their feelings about western civilization to be important, we are showing basic disrespect to their way of life. This will be only the beginning of the disrespect that they will perceive to be coming from us.
Change can be violent. Giving birth is a violent act. There is a lot of screaming, moaning, crying and blood and don't forget about the afterbirth. The afterbirth is going to be hell in Iraq. Some will not be pleased. They will not take the changes to their way of life lightly.
Yes, we see smiling Iraqis on our sound bytes. IMO, this is propaganda. These people are terrified of us. If soldiers invaded my city, I might be inclined to seem agreeable too. Especially if it meant saving my family. But the minute their back was turned, I would be doing everything within my power to undermine them, all the while smiling to their faces and their loaded guns.
Will it be more violent? Well, imo, it is pretty violent now. I don't see how it can get more violent. But, covertly, it could get to be troublesome. Look at the IRA. In the past, they have been a violent pain in the ass for the British. I would not be surprised to see similar acts occurring in Iraq.
As far as the new government oppressing the Iraqi people as much or more than Saddam, I don't know the answer to that. It really isn't that important. What is important is how the Iraqis perceive their oppression. The Iraqis may perceive the new government to be Satanic. If so, they will truly feel that they are being more oppressed on a soul level. This can be worse than physical oppression.
Dubla, I have a visitor coming in from out of town tomorrow and I am very busy today. I hope that some of your questions have been answered. I know that you will probably not agree with them but I do not feel that our agreement is important. I am endeavoring to see the "other side's" viewpoint. I appreciate your respect towards "our side".
I will attempt to explain what is going on in this country as far as protests are concerned at a later time. Please remember though, that there are basically 2 protests going on. One is to protest the war in Iraq. The undercurrent is to protest the personal liberties that we see as being under attack.
Have a nice weekend.
Love,
Robyn
