Increase in attacks

[lookout123]

I've been wondering this for awhile but I haven't heard anyone talking about it. I think we all pretty much know where most cellarites are at in their level of support for different politicians and support for the war; but why all the surprise about the increased tempo of carbombs and other such attacks?

Doesn't it make sense? The terrorists have a lot riding on the next few months and they would obviously want to have their say even if they can't vote. 3 major elections in a row - Afgahnistan, US, and Iraq.

The Wahabbists have a lot to lose if the Afghan and Iraq elections succeed. It seems like it only makes sense that they would throw everything they have into dissuading participation right before the events. It seems to me like this should be expected - not welcome, but expected.

There are some great minds in the cellar, so I am interested in hearing what your thoughts are on the matter.

[xoxoxoBruce]

No matter who does what to whom, we get blamed. We can't win and I really don't care if the Iraqis are sucessful in becoming a stable country or not. I am however pulling for the Afghans.

[lookout123]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

I am however pulling for the Afghans.

me too - they are great on a cold night.

[tw]

Originally Posted by lookout123

The Wahabbists have a lot to lose if the Afghan and Iraq elections succeed. It seems like it only makes sense that they would throw everything they have into dissuading participation right before the events. It seems to me like this should be expected - not welcome, but expected.

It would also be a mistake to blame insurrection on Wahabbists. For example, kidnapping is widespread. Estimates say that only 10% of the kidnappings even get reported to authorities. Tens of kidnappings may occur every day. This too is not necessarily Wahabbists. Crime is that widespread and practiced by so many, all with different agendas.

Again, this only demonstrates why the conquered army and police is not disbanded - a lesson from history that every minimally trained political - military leader is expected to know. Just another reason why nations need leaders with experience and intelligence.

Apparently the foundations of a massive Iraqi mafia are beginning to form. For example, some westerners report how they were kidnapped. First they are relieved of anything of value. Then they are passed on to others who appear to be better trained criminals with different attitudes. Why? Maybe the victims are sold. Maybe the little criminals owe allegence to more powerful criminals or are trying to prove their worth to the local criminal power structure. But at any rate, when someone tries to blame Iraq crime on any one ideal, political / religious agenda, or a hatred of America, then one is simply falling for more mistakes of an ill trained, naive, leader and his simplisitic sound bytes about a 'war on terror'.

The only Iraq crime that really gets reported in the news are kidnapping of westerners - contractors or soldiers. Those kidnappers may only be little people who in turn sell their victims to others with an anti-American agenda. Crime in Iraq has become big business. More impoortant is that we did not provide enough troops up front so that crime and looting would not occur. Having not 'nipped it in the bud', crime has become even more widespread and profitable.

American never invaded Iraq even with 'after action' orders or any other plan for the peace. We broke it. Now we own it. Some American leaders were told this would happen, but ignored those warnings. Same leaders who know claims Iraq is getting better.

Law enforcement (with insufficient troops) may be so poor that an Iraqi mafia, on scales never before seen, may be growing in Iraq.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Saddam’s regime was pretty close to a mafia type operation. The former enforcers in the police and Republican guard should fall into line once they establish who they’re following.
The citizens are also used to being controlled that way so it’ll be a comfortable fit. Actually they’ll probably do a better job of running the show than Bush is.
I wonder who they’ll put up as the front men in political offices?

[tw]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Saddam’s regime was pretty close to a mafia type operation. The former enforcers in the police and Republican guard should fall into line once they establish who they’re following.

Where would the Russian mafia be if communism had fallen without any police (KGB) or army to maintain order? Iraq as created by George Jr suggests an answer to that question.

Once smart Iraqis are fired from their jobs as police, utility operators, and other essential functions (for being Baath party members), then where do those people go to seek their income and food? If banned from legal employment, then what is left? Criminal employment - robbery, fencing, munition sales, buglary, smuggling, or fighting for nationalism against an occupying power. Many agendas that all get blamed by George Jr as having connnections to al Qaeda. A major disconnect exists between what is happening in Iraq verses what a mental midget president portrays it.