Originally posted by OldMan:
in my opinion, yes.
Posted on Sat, Mar. 29, 2003
FROM AN S.C. SCHOLAR
War with Iraq puts U.S. 'in a very dangerous situation'
James A. Miller is a cultural geographer at Clemson University. He specializes in the Middle East and has served as a foreign service officer in North Africa.
Q: -- What do you think the average person in the Middle East is saying about the war in Iraq?
A: -- What we now see very clearly in the Arab world, and the Middle East as a whole, is that the U.S. is seen as an invader with no justification to be in Iraq. It's all seen from a very different perspective from their side, and why wouldn't it be?
It's called civilization rallying. That's an extremely important fact. When we see our own troops in danger, we rally around them. As the French see it, we have an Anglo-Saxon rally going.
Q: -- Is there a significant split in opinion between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims within Iraq?
A: -- It's becoming less significant because they appear to be banding against us. Hussein has treated the Shi'a terribly and has done everything he can to favor Sunnis.
The Iraqis and Saddam Hussein have consistently tried to become a great power in the Middle East and he's won. This man looms as a hero for those on the other side.
Q: -- What do the leaders in the other Arab countries think about this war?
A: -- They don't like Iraqi regime .‘.‘. but they're very nervous. Someone like (Egyptian) President (Hosni) Murbarak, who's in a very precarious position, said "watch out, you're opening the gates of hell." And it's happening. If this war concluded quickly, the gates of hell will close. But we're digging in our heels, and I think it's very instructive to look at Vietnam. This looks like Vietnam in fast forward.
Q: -- Didn't some people predict that outcome when U.S. troops went into Afghanistan?
A: -- Afghanistan is isolated and it was in nobody's interest. Iraq is a lot different because of where it is on the map. I want people to realize that we need to get our justifications straight. If we don't, the gates of hell won't close. We're in a very dangerous situation.
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As told to Jeff Stensland
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/5510697.htm