Comments on But, I am a Liberal!: Iraq, and Thoughts on Intervention

Hi Roland, I liked this post and have just re-read...

2009-07-11T17:57:07.735-05:00

Hi Roland, I liked this post and have just re-read it again. One aspect that I think is important which isn't really covered here is the enlightened self-interest argument for pro-democracy intervention. 9-11 and Afghanistan provided the most extreme demonstration that an unstable tyranny is a threat not just because of the potential hostility of the tyranny itself, but also because of the space that such instability provides for other hostile organisations, whether political terrorists or mercenary criminals.

One could argue that for a realist instability is the problem rather than tyranny, but while democracy is a form of managed instability, tyranny is a recipe for much more extreme and violent instability, as tyrannies are not designed for smooth transitions of power. It follows that there is a lack of realism in the realist strategy of supporting friendly tyrannies in the hope of maintaining stability.

Very nice work Roland. Precisely how I feel about ...

2009-06-30T16:19:17.107-05:00

Very nice work Roland. Precisely how I feel about interventionist policies after the war in Iraq.

One of the key problems in Iraq is the unemploymen...

2009-06-30T10:45:15.924-05:00

One of the key problems in Iraq is the unemployment rate is as high as 60-80% in many of the major Iraq cities. The iraq civilians will join armed forces to push out US troops just to be able to provide for their family. In a quote from a US troop commander he said, "he only way you have to provide for your family is to get paid 50 dollars to throw a hand grenade. That’s what you’re going to do." http://www.newsy.com/videos/u_s_troops_in_iraq_gone_for_good

Really good piece, Roland.

2009-06-30T09:26:54.986-05:00

Really good piece, Roland.