Baghdad's walls keep peace but feel like prison - what do you think?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080627/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_inside_the_walls

From what I understand, prior to the invasion, Baghdad had a thriving nightlife.

I think this is another hidden cost of the war.

And I think it's sad.

Please don't bring up the past about Saddam, we all know he was a tyrant.

So many of us talk about the Iraqi people having freedom, but how free are the people when they live in self imposed prisons?

I also think that this is a powder keg waiting to go off, sooner or later the people are going to get sick of this.

Your thoughts. Please keep them civil without all the blame.

Peace

Jim

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Answer 1

Yes, it is a sad state of affairs. Of course it seems like prison, but is it really worse than what they had been putting up with? It is a changing of the guard.

Many were given hope where there was none. I know someone who was there for the last year and most of the people he talked to welcomed this freedom, stifling as it is.

Doesn't the fighting between the Shiites and Sunnis remind you of the Hatfields and McCoys? Utterly useless feuding, ripping each other apart, all the while missing the big picture. That working together without being so selfish would bring them the happiness that they desire? Or are they just hate mongering? Those are the questions that I ponder on when I think of Iraq.

War is h**l. But, I believe that the Selfish and the Stupid are to be blamed for this, the ones who aren't willing to share, the ones who aren't willing to pull their children out of the radical places that rot their minds with hatred. ... I am talking about a very small percentage of the people, but, it doesn't take many to ruin any ideal. It is the many that have to stand up and say enough is enough.

It is a country that was and still is overridden with violent street gangs. The good people of Iraq are like the good people who happen to live in any gang infested area ... it would feel like a prison with or without the walls.



I would be happy that my family wasn't in danger of being boiled in a vat of acid, I would welcome the walls, for the time being. Freedom has never come to any nation for a small price. Yes, it is a sad state of affairs.

peace.

Answer 2

No nation would feel free under occupation, no matter how bona fide or mala fide the occupation is. Even with the most well intended motive, humans do not like to be controlled. In the case of Iraq, it is almost common cause that the invasion and occupation is mala fides- so the mood of the country, even the necessary temporary interludes of socialising and night  life is going to be marked by this under current.

Answer 3

If this was the case it would be nice to see some area air photographs. That way this story would have more backing then just a title and small pic of the corner of the house.  Here in our country we put bars on our windows because of problems, in their country they build walls because of problems.

Answer 4

Unfortunately these people need a strong leader in order to keep the peace. Only then can they feel safe. Its' bazaar but probably true and one of the things that make us incapable of understanding them. Democracy must be earned. it is not something to be forced upon such a profoundly divided society. My guess is that the irrepressible nature of youth lit up the night in the old Baghdad. Religious extremists would have quickly been removed by the regime as a threat, while the enjoyment of a night life would have been perceived as a harmless diversion. Saddam's sons and secret police were the equivalent of our serial killers, a risk knowingly undertaken. In societies where women are stoned to death for perceived infidelities be they sisters or daughters how can we presume to foist our morals on them with such arrogant disregard?

Answer 5

There is no conceivable way to put a positive spin on the tragic, imbecile ridden decision to go to war in Iraq.

The next time I hear some flea-bag politician say something like "our troops are doing the best they can" I will probably try to get close enough to deliver an attitude adjustment on behalf of our military.

We must bring them home but the girly-boy Repugnants will not do it. These losers will leave the work for the Dems, god hel[ us!

Answer 6

This is just a comment but I just watched a new episode on the "Live from Bagdad" show on the Mir internet TV network that was about one of these walls and interviewed ordinary people on both sides. I strongly recommend it as a resource. I don't watch TV anymore and so chose to set up my "station" with a wide variety of news sources (with some entertainment and educ. too)

I have got to say I was quite surprised to see the walls concretely instead of the vague awareness I had that it was happening. Makes you think.

BTW "Live from Bagdad" is also found on YouTube but I can't get YouTube videos without a lot of HerkyJerky stop&goes.

Answer 7

Quite a complicated question Jim, depends on the individual's point of view I suppose but I can assure you life would be much different if they can get rid of their mosques, and religious mullahs that are really behind all this unrest.

Answer 8

A good example of how you can betray freedom for security.

yes they may be alive, but at what cost?

I think I would rather take my chances rather than having a government over-sheltering me from harm.

Sooner or later, if this doesn't end, those people will start wondering if keeping them in a prison wasn't the plan all along, and then our military will find themseves having to fight more people.