Olmstead (Blog 2)
The Panel’s Words: How ‘Prospects Can Be Improved’ in the ‘Difficult Days Ahead’ is an article that we were given in American History class. This article stated two recommendations for the United States. The first was to better the political and diplomatic relations with Iraq’s neighbors. This reccomendation was made in contrast to if relations were not enhanced then there would be a possible invasion in Iraq. The second recommendation was for the U.S. troops to be replaced with Iraq ones. The second reccomendation I agree with but, I think it would have to occur in a certain period of time. This article also includes the Arab Israeli Conflict because, it was important to refer to. This conflict was built exists because, the United States funded Israel into being able to fight the Arabs.
The question of Did the United States create the Suni-Shia conflict? was addressed in class. I think that the United States did not have anything to do with the building tensions between the Suni and Shias because, it has existed way before they decided to help Iraq back up and rejuvenate into a stronger country. Another questions that was addressed in class was If the United States was obligated to stay in Iraq? I believe that yes the United States is obligated to stay because, they got themselves into it and can not take the easy way out. The United States can not just pull out randomly because, it makes our country look bad. Furthermore, supported by the article, if the United States pulled out, then Iraq would collapse and a “scramble”. Iraq would become weak because, the United States is temporarily their backbone to their government in which is improving with their help.
