The War In Iraq: Costing The USA $12 Billion a MONTH

[DungeonMaster6]

Adding my two cents. Iraq was indeed a diversion from the conflict in Afghanistan, which is where 9/11 was planned. The real public enemy number one( Bin Laden) is still on the loose, and in my opinion being protected by in Pakistan.

During his recent visit to Afghanistan Obama, as well as some military leaders have recognized the peril which the Taliban and Al-Quida presents.

In my opinion, I believe the US and it's allies should gradually pull out of Iraq and concentrate on Afghanistan, and put some pressure on Pakistan. Of course the military contractors, with the help of their ally in the White House wouldn't like that. And Dick Cheney's company(Haliburton) would definitely scorn that idea, because they have too much to gain by staying in Iraq...But then again, Afghanistan doesn't have any oil, does it?

[DarkPoet]

But then again, Afghanistan doesn't have any oil, does it?

No, but the second largest untapped mineral mine (iron, copper, uranium and also rarer minerals that are highly needed for catalysators or cell phones) in the world, a fact that can shine a different light on the American intervention in Afghanistan following 9/11.

Afghanistan has long since been the playball of resource politics, be it Russia, Pakistan, India or America who tried to broaden their influence there and get access to the mines. Currently there's an international chess play going on, where all the "piece troups" from different countries aren't only spread out to maximize efficiency, but moved strategically to prevent all others from getting exclusive access.

This is a very bad starting point for building a stable democratic government in Afghanistan, but hope that a change in the U.S. government may put an end to this futile competition and brings all the participants back to their original aim - to protect people and to allow freedom, hope, wealth and stability to grow.