Iraq has descended into anarchy, says Fisk

[IndianaGreen]

Iraq has descended into anarchy, says Fisk

By Nigel Morris Home Affairs Correspondent
Published: 13 October 2005

Most of Iraq is in a state of anarchy, with insurgents controlling parts of Baghdad just half a mile from the so-called Green Zone, an Independent debate was told last night.

Robert Fisk, Middle East correspondent for The Independent, whose new book The Great War for Civilisation: the Conquest of the Middle East has just been published by 4th Estate, painted a picture of deepening chaos and misery in Iraq more than two years after Saddam Hussein was toppled.

He said that the "constant, intensive involvement" in the Middle East by the West was a recurring pattern over centuries and was the reason why "so many Muslims in the Middle East hate us". He added: " We can close doors on history. They can't."

Fisk doubted the sincerity of Western leaders' commitment to bringing democracy to Iraq and said a lasting settlement in the country was impossible while foreign troops remained. "In the Middle East, they would like some of our democracy, they would like a couple of boxes off the supermarket shelves of human rights as well. But I think they would also like freedom from us."

Recalling the sight of an immense US convoy rolling into the country's capital, he said: "A superpower has a visceral need to project military power. We can go to Baghdad, so we will go to Baghdad."

He told the debate in London: "The Americans must leave Iraq and they will leave Iraq, but they can't leave Iraq and that is the equation that turns sand to blood. At some point, they will have to talk to the insurgents.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article319160.ece

[Erika]

1. And our troops keep on dying

see www.icasualties.org Stability?

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. So what is all this constitution stuff about?

Listening to NPR you would believe that the place is settled down and ready to embrace the fourth of July and Christmas.

[Erika]

3. Didn't Bushco just take over NPR?

That's why you got confused. Go to world wires for the truth.

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. You are right about it, I'm just saying what the word from NPR is.

[Briar]

7. That's what this constitution stuff is about

convincing the US public that democracy and freedom have been spread and the war has been worth it. Praise Bush!

Iraq's interests, as always, are being sacrificed for US interests.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Mayhem.

The one thing George W. Bush excels at. Maybe he was jealous of Sharon. Had to create his own disaster.

I feel for the people of Ira*q. They never asked for this.

[DLnyc]

6. Correct Bush mantra: "I am a disaster president." n/t

[izzie]

8. We have come a long way since 1945

We may have ended up top dog but we have come down fast. Every country does seem to re-do the same old errors. What can one do but hope we can get this group out of power. Trouble is, that over 50% who vote want it this way. We saw this in the last election. May be they think God will make it all good once more as if he works for us alone.