The other reason We decided to go to war in Iraq.

[darthtang aw]

I was thinking the other day about this. I have another theory. I can not prove this and in no way am saying it is so. But it does hold some water I believe.
We went into Iraq because we would NOT be able to strategically handle a war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan fought the Soviet Union for 10 years and made them give up. Mainly due to terrain and tactics. Not higher firepower. The Soviets had them covered in the firepower department. We did as well when confronting Al Qaeda. So I think "the powers that be" decide to take away one of the two things Al Qaeda had to their advantage. The terrain. Shift the focus and conflict to Iraq and our troops receive a more friendly terrain to operate in.
Just a thought.

 

[groupergenius]

Originally Posted by Darthtang AW
http:///forum/post/2597253
I was thinking the other day about this. I have another theory. I can not prove this and in no way am saying it is so. But it does hold some water I believe.
We went into Iraq because we would NOT be able to strategically handle a war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan fought the Soviet Union for 10 years and made them give up. Mainly due to terrain and tactics. Not higher firepower. The Soviets had them covered in the firepower department. We did as well when confronting Al Qaeda. So I think "the powers that be" decide to take away one of the two things Al Qaeda had to their advantage. The terrain. Shift the focus and conflict to Iraq and our troops receive a more friendly terrain to operate in.
Just a thought.
Go rent Charley Wilson's War. It'll explain some more things about Afghan-Russia conflict.
We actually supplied Afghanistan with weapons, very good ones, that backed Russia off.

 

[darthtang aw]

Originally Posted by GrouperGenius
http:///forum/post/2597265
Go rent Charley Wilson's War. It'll explain some more things about Afghan-Russia conflict.
We actually supplied Afghanistan with weapons, very good ones, that backed Russia off.

True, but I don't remember us supply them with tanks and helicopters or jets, Russia had these. Of course I could be wrong, but was planning on seeing that movie already..

 

[groupergenius]

Originally Posted by Darthtang AW
http:///forum/post/2597268
True, but I don't remember us supply them with tanks and helicopters or jets, Russia had these. Of course I could be wrong, but was planning on seeing that movie already..
No, we didn't give them those things. We gave them things to destroy those things. Through a very surprising source.
(I don't want to give up to much of the movie.)

 

[deltablack22]

Originally Posted by Darthtang AW
http:///forum/post/2597268
True, but I don't remember us supply them with tanks and helicopters or jets, Russia had these. Of course I could be wrong, but was planning on seeing that movie already..
You dont have to supply a unit using defensive tactics with offensive weapons; AT Rockets, AA guns, mines when used properly are much more effective... If you provide the home team with the capability of producing fear and discontent in the offensive forces you have provided a greater service than 100,000 troops.
On the other front I can and will promise you that tactical advatage did not play a role in determining our battle field presence - that would fall into the lap of politics.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by DeltaBlack22
http:///forum/post/2597900
You dont have to supply a unit using defensive tactics with offensive weapons; AT Rockets, AA guns, mines when used properly are much more effective... If you provide the home team with the capability of producing fear and discontent in the offensive forces you have provided a greater service than 100,000 troops.
On the other front I can and will promise you that tactical advatage did not play a role in determining our battle field presence - that would fall into the lap of politics.
I believe there was the small matter of several UN resolutions that Saddam failed to comply with. Most folks have long ago forgotten about that.
But I agree, politics and oil were also in play. BTW, I support our efforts in Iraq.