5 Things You Didn't Know About the U.S. in Iraq

1. We are not at war with Iraq: In fact, we are fighting alongside the Iraqis with the goal of helping them take control of their own country. The hopes are that Iraq will one day be a true democracy run by its citizens. Of course this is a tall order, and more than a little vague. Where I think many "opposed" to the war might be on to something is the lack of clear objectives. The idea of a "timeline" proposed by those on the left is probably unrealistic; however, some sort of goal would both keep troop morale high and make it easier for those on the homefront to support the campaign.
2. We do not currently import any oil from Iraq: Those opposed to the war like to cry "Blood for Oil". but that's not happening. Most of Iraq's oil output comes from a large oil field in the hotly contested Kurdish region in the North, and most of this oil is exported to Turkey. As of now, not a drop is exported to the U.S. We get our oil from places like Canada, East Africa, South America, etc. It has been pointed out that I got the facts wrong on this one. Let me get to the bottom of this and I'll get back to you.
3. We are not "going it alone" in Iraq: There are actually 27 countries who make up the Multi National Corps which are working together to restore stability in Iraq. People like to respond to this by pointing out the small numbers these other countries send over, but in most cases the countries have small armies to draw from, and that's not the point. It's about the support and cooperation of countries around the world towards this objective.
4. Casualties in the Iraq war are high: People in support of the war like to point out the extremely low KIA rates accumulated since the war's inception in 2003. But that's only part of the story. Due to a groundbreaking new first aid kit supplied to the troops and the speed at which injured soldiers can be taken to a place where they can receive care, many cases which would be KIA's are now WIA (wounded in action). Many of these people are being sent home with amputations and other serious injuries. As this plays out, Christian groups will see a tremendous opportunity for ministry as these soldiers will need assistance in re-entering society.
5. The USO is not part of the U.S. government: This was perhaps the most surprising thing of all that I learned on my trip to the Persian Gulf. I think everyone knows a little about the support given by the USO, but they really are doing a great thing. In addition to the widely publicized concert tours, they provide everything from calling centers and soldier lounges to special lounges and dining facilities at airports in the U.S. And they are completely nonprofit. So they need our help! If you are moved by the sacrifice our troops are making and want to show your support. The USO would be a great place to start.

Comments

[Iraq Oil Report]

No. 2 is full of errors, unfortunately. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbblpd_m.htm
the U.S. imports 490,000 barrels of Iraqi crude a day. While it's only a small portion of U.S. imports, that's more than a quarter of Iraq's daily exports.
Also, most of Iraq's oil is produced in the south and exported from Basra, through the Straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. See http://iraqoilreport.com/2008/01/16/iraq-oil-production-not-up-as-reported-possibly-slipping/ as part of the daily coverage of Iraq's oil (and other energy) sector as well as security, political and society of Iraq at the Iraq Oil Report.

[somecrumbs]

Great post! Gave us some food for thought!

[The Secret Life of Kat]

Very interesting..