pabstblueribbon
05-05-2011, 01:56 AM
Putting pen to paper before I forget about it.
As I was reading the MLK quotes referenced in another thread, it reminded me of a quandry I and other people throughout the world would have had to consider at some point.
We impose economic sanctions with the goal to hold countries accountable to whatever resolution we require. In the case of Iraq, to hold them accountable for reparations for the invasion, elimination of WMD's and with the intent to make life so unbearable that the population would eventually oust Saddam on their own.
But what did it really achieve? A increase in child mortality rates, a decrease in literacy rates, a suffering populace and finally resentment. Saddam and the Baath party, despite being unable to continue weapons programs, were likely largely unaffected and perhaps strengthened his control over his country.
We created the perfect environment for brainwashing suicide bombers or Jihadists. We made life so unbearable here on earth, it encouraged and reinforced their doctrine that life here on earth is nothing and that life only truly begins in heaven.
Here, strap a bomb to yourself, kill in the name of God and expedite your departure from this miserable existence.
It just seems fucked up to me.
/endramble
As I was reading the MLK quotes referenced in another thread, it reminded me of a quandry I and other people throughout the world would have had to consider at some point.
We impose economic sanctions with the goal to hold countries accountable to whatever resolution we require. In the case of Iraq, to hold them accountable for reparations for the invasion, elimination of WMD's and with the intent to make life so unbearable that the population would eventually oust Saddam on their own.
But what did it really achieve? A increase in child mortality rates, a decrease in literacy rates, a suffering populace and finally resentment. Saddam and the Baath party, despite being unable to continue weapons programs, were likely largely unaffected and perhaps strengthened his control over his country.
We created the perfect environment for brainwashing suicide bombers or Jihadists. We made life so unbearable here on earth, it encouraged and reinforced their doctrine that life here on earth is nothing and that life only truly begins in heaven.
Here, strap a bomb to yourself, kill in the name of God and expedite your departure from this miserable existence.
It just seems fucked up to me.
/endramble