Would you ever chang your Iraq opinion?

[CORed]

If we succeed in putting in place a democratic govenment in Iraq that survives for more than ten years after the last American troops leave, I might change my opinion as to whether the invaion was a good idea.

OTOH, I think there is a significantly higher probablility of monkeys flying out my ass than of the above scenario happening.

[ QUOTE ]
If we succeed in putting in place a democratic govenment in Iraq that survives for more than ten years after the last American troops leave, I might change my opinion as to whether the invaion was a good idea.

OTOH, I think there is a significantly higher probablility of monkeys flying out my ass than of the above scenario happening.

[/ QUOTE ]

Somewhat parallel is Japan. Look at its suicide, warrior culture, almost unparalleled superiority complex, and outright barbarism inflicted on its neighbor China throughout the early 20th century, and then compare that to its conquer by invading American forces amidst the total destruction wreaked by two atomic bombs and its subsequent conversion into everything that it is today, which is pretty incredible, and all from an island nation with virtually no natural resources.

Could this happen in Iraq? It certainly could, and would be remarkable for the world if it did. A longshot? Maybe, maybe not so much. How would the world look upon GWB in this outcome?

[Jedster]

Absolutely I could change my opinion. If there is ever a point at which less than 1% of Iraqis think that attacks by terrorists in Iraq against Americans are justified then I will be convinced that the war was worth it. The problem is, right now that number is at 45% from what I understand, so there is a long way to go.

Also, if it were discovered that Saddam financed 9/11 or that there actually were WMDs, I'd change my mind.

Finally, if in 40 years, not only Iraq, but Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the palestinian state are functioning democracies AND allies of the U.S., I'd likely change my mind.

[Jdanz]

i didn't answer because i don't know.

I'm sort of looking at it froma poker players perspective. There is a lot of variability and incomplete information and good/bad outcome doesn't necessarily stem from good/bad "play".

I can only judge an administration on the reasonableness of its actions in light of the information it had when taking those actions. I don't really know what that information is/was, but i don't think if iraq is a democracy in 10 or 20 years has anything to do with whether the initial decision was justified.