You can't compare Iraq with North Korea...
I've been very concerned with this thinking on Iraq... that we can make it the Korea model by keeping 50,000 troops there for the next 50 years. There's a big problem with this thinking no matter what our casualty rate is. Iraq is three separate sects that are at war with each other... the lines are blurred and there is no place to put a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between the sects like the Korea model. There is no north or south, no place to station 50,000 troops between the two (or in this case three) sects of Iraq. Baghdad is a prime example of this pluralistic society that is at the heart of their conflict and when we are out patrolling the streets between them, we get shot at or blown up. The Korea model in Iraq is not possible and we should not try to police one either.
Lastly, I'm a firm believer that just our presence on their Muslim land fuels the resentment and hatred extremists around the world have towards us and our way of life.
Very good points Mr. Purple. I would add that the Korean peninsula was split at the 38th parallel after WW2. When the Japanese withdrew, the Soviets administered north of the 38th, and the US south, similar to the way most of Europe and the city of Berlin were divided when the War ended. So the "border" of the Korean peninsula between communist/democratic had already been established for many years when the Korean War broke out. In fact, Russia and Japan secretly divided the Korean peninsula into two spheres of influence as early as 1902 at the 38th parallel. It's yet one more reason why the Korean model was very different compared to modern day Iraq.
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Thanks for the historical perspective... it really puts it into context. I believe we should be fighting the war on terror more like this...
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