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The Taliban is a paper tiger. If we leave Afghanistan the Taliban will try to slap women around again. They may control some of the tribal areas. Other than that, what you have in Afghanistan are brutal warlords. They have nothing to offer the world. There is no strategic value to Afghanistan. The UN Peacekeepers should be able to keep a lid on that cauldron for a very long time. Burn the poppy fields.

Iraq on the other hand is the Cradle of Civilization. The juncture of the Euphrates and the Tigris was the start of civilization. Don't misunderstand me. I am not trying to call these people civilized yet. But the history predates Moses.

Iraq is situated in the most centralized part of the Middle East. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq has more to offer the modern world than all of the other Middle eastern countries combined. The oil reserves are endless. The location is smack dab in the center of terrorist alley. What better place to engage and defeat the enemy.

The Iraqis are by far the most modern and moderate of the Muslim community. They will be able to maintain their culture as well as a doctrine of civility towards the West. What they need is some time to embrace their freedom and time to overcome their fear of the past. Their future is certain as long as the coalition assists them in stabilizing their thoughts and ideas. It is a long haul from where they have been to where they want to go.

The death and destruction they will face along their journey is a heavy price to pay. The US is paying a heavy price. I am not sure what citizen of any other country is worth one US Servicemans life. However, they are not fighting and dying for an Iraqi. These brave souls are fighting and dying for each other and for a way of life. How many of us would go? I bet if you asked for a call of hands, many would be raised. I would fight and die to secure my daughters future. Who wouldn't?

Stabilize Iraq and you stabilize the world.

Learn more about this author, Jim Thurber.
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