Bit of a tricky one, Civil war in Iraq

[Lonnie]

If a civil war did break out in Iraq, what position do you suppose our troops would take?, I know what we would like, bring them back, but I can't see that happening. Your thoughts on this please, Thanks,

[noxlumos]

From the second that Saddam was toppled it was inevitable that there would be a civil war in Iraq. Quite why this simple fact was lost on our leaders I don't know, possibly because they were so blinded by arrogance and greed that they didn't even stop to consider the fact that an Eastern culture really wouldn't want our Western democracy. However the fact remains that the only people who can make change within a country work are the inhabitants of that country and our presence there was never required.We should withdraw and leave it to the Iraqi people, tragic though civil war is, because until then there will be no hope of peace in Iraq.If we stay our position will be impossible so we should leave and leave now.

[bernardo]

The point of foreign troops in Iraq is to "keep the peace" (ho ho) rather than to take sides. If the civil war intensifies (there already is one) then hopefully the foreign troops will be withdrawn a.s.a.p.

[stevie_c2it]

Our continued presence in Iraq may be subduing outright open civil war temporarily, however I believe noxlumos, and bernado are quite correct, and that civil war was always an inevitable consequence of our invading Iraq and removing Sadam.
The United Nations understood this, hence there policy of containment (the lesser of the evils). Sadam, needless to say was a dictator who killed many, however the loss of life since the start of the war, and the slaughter to come, will make him seem like a benign benefactor to many Iraqis (and Muslims) who will no doubt want to extract bloody revenge on the West.

Still George Bush (Junior) has proved he�s a bigger man than his dad, and Americans can sleep easy knowing they can continue to drive there �gas guzzling� RV�s and still only pay 28p a litre. Result?

[El D]

Not necessarily - while I agree that short term the country is in chaos, if in the longer term democracy is achievable then it will represent a huge triumph.

As for the civil war, foreign troops would act to uphold the side of the elected government (if this was one of the sides). Unfortunately if a civil war broke out we would have to take sides, or possible establish safe areas etc - or would you have them sit by while copycat rwandan or bosnian genocides are carried out?

[Lonnie]

I have to agree with all the above answers, but my problem is, I don't see how we can withdraw, seeing as how we created the situation in the first place.

I think our troops have been placed in a 'catch 22' situation, if we withdraw, forgetting the strife at the present, your looking at the financial and complete loss of respect, (if that hasn't already happened), around the world, not forgetting the financial backlash to not only rebuild, but also claims by indidual persons.

And if we stay, which is what I think will happen, I think we'er looking at a loss of life, that will make what has already happened, look like a Teddy Bears Picnic.

[Drusilla1S]

Sadly, I think there may well be a Civil War and it's possible both Shia and Sunnis' will eventually turn on the occupying forces at the same time as fighting each other.
Both sides will be seeking assistance from outside Iraq. The majority Shias will look towards Shia Iran and the Sunnis will plead for help from their Arab neighbours, most of whom are Sunni.
The occupying forces have only been able to maintain a degree of control because of support from the Shia clerics and the northern Kurds. If the allies lose this support, I think we will have to withdraw and watch anarchy and extremism engulf the 'cradle of civilisation.'
Getting rid of Saddam was a good idea, but the political machinations and greed of the incumbents of the White House have surrendered any political high ground we held at the beginning of this venture.

[Lonnie]

Drusilla1S, youv'e put my thoughts into words, I couldn't have put it better if i'd tried, problem is, the best option would be to bring our troops back, but I can't see it happening.

[Loosehead]

As above, we never learn, in the end we are going to have to let them fight it out. What an Advert for Islam, muslim v muslin, raving nutters.

[spaced]

get our tropps out and let them sort it out for themselves.

[jump79]

If civil war does break out, (and this possibility seems to be on the brink in Iraq) and all the foreign troops (American, British, Australian etc) withdraw, it would be seen as a pretty cowardly act and they would be deserting the Iraqi people when most needed. Although, at the same time, I don't see how their presence is going to abate or avoid this situation as well.
I think for now, all they can do is wait and see if this violence between the 2 sects de-escalates within the next week or so.

[undercovers]

another reason why i think the UK should be integrated into the EU more, why do we need a "special" relationship with the USA when in a combined effort all we have managed to do is kill thousands of people and create a situation in which many many more innocents will lose their lives, we have been messing with the area of Iraq for hundreds of years BUT we just won�t learn from the past� whats wrong with us?

[Doggy2]

Well said undercovers! Couldn't agree more. The reality is that we can never sacrifice the special relationship that exists between us and the americans. No doubt had we not interfered with the iraqi regime, there will still be a Sadam amongst many other dictators in this world today. But we supported the americans for the infamous cause of war on terror only to find ourseleves in a bigger mess. Look at the number of iraqis now that have died since the invasion in comparison to when Sadam is in power. And no doubt each day that goes by we will have less symphaty by iraqis, who feel they are invaded by foreign forces.

[Lonnie]

As undercovers has said, we don't learn from history, but,'What goes around, comes around',

[Big Al1st]

Biggest problem if civil war did break out would be that Iran would join in, in order to get its own back from the Iraq/Iranian War. If they did join, which is highly likely, it would be in the South where our troops are stationed. This could become rather bloody, and certainly we would not be able to contain the situation.

It is all becoming rather worrying from our troops point of view, and as stated the catch 22 situtation is that we cannot leave now. Mind you we should'nt have been there in the first place.

[marshman]

If civil war does break out in Iraq,I only hope that the government has the common sense to bring our troops home.all of them,at once,don't hold your breath though,this government is not really known for it's common sense now is it.