Re: Way OT Re: OT US guy who got depapped.

We're pleased to have you as allies, too. First I get to publicly thank the Aussies, now the Danes. Yep, this is some unilateral action we're taking in Iraq......

Yup, it is, Al. 135,000 Americans, 5,000 British, and the numbers plummet rapidly after that. About half the countries have less troops there then Denmark. Presumably the US is coping with the logistical burden. They are not there as allies as such, we're just renting flags to put on the podium. Kim M

Which is still more than the likes of France, Germany, Belgium, and Russia et al.

I don't know. The last bunch of Spanish troops to withdraw were logistics types so that may not be accurate.

And your side claims that it's Bush that alienates allies......

Well, he does. You make it sound like a bad thing.

Allies are only allies out of self-interest or shared doctrines, and no alliance is so stable that allies will always perform in lockstep. The true measure of whether an ally is really estranged or merely sulky cannot be measured in less than years (unless they commit acts of war against one another).

Mark Schynert

Exactly so. Neither Bush nor any other president can compel allies to act against what they perceive as their own interests.

Are you sure the British (UK?) contingent is only 5000? Does that include all branches (RN,Army,RAF)? According to the CIA World factbook, the UK population is about 60 million. If so, it would seem the Danish contribution per inhabitant is actually slightly larger than the British; I find that hard to believe!

I'm not so sure that's the case, but even if, I'd say it's only fair enough. You make it sound as if everyone is walking about in US-paid uniforms, driving US-paid vehicles and eating US-paid food. I'm afraid it isn't like that.

That certainly was uncalled for. Judging from the news reportings I've seen, the British and multinational forces are at least as successful as the US; perhaps even more successful. At keeping order while maintaining good relations to the locals, that is. When it comes to killing, the US forces certainly are unsurpassed.

In any case, the Iraqis are generally grateful that we rid them of Saddam, but now they really would like us to leave. I think we should take that hint and behave like polite guests and say good-bye. The party is over.

-Lasse

You mean Royabulgaf is a Brit, not a US? I guess I have to join you in the club of people who mistake other people's nationality.

-Lasse

Nice try at leftie smear, but no cigar. They're there because their governments sent them there.

Is your glass always half empty, Kim?

Sorry for the delayed response....I've been away on a short TDY; just got back at midnight last night.

" In walks the village idiot and his face is all aglow; he's been up all night listening to Mohammad's radio" W. Zevon

I'm sure these guys would like to hear you say that in person....

http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1128904/posts

No problem- First I have to brush up on my Slovenian, Bulgarian, Mongolian, etc. Kim M

Actually, you'd only have to brush up on your Spanish and the Queen's English to talk to those guys face-to-face. Just goes to show how little you know about the Coalition.

OK, Al. What's Spanish for "goodbye"? Kim M

Zapatero.

WmB

To reply, get the HECK out of there snipped-for-privacy@earthlink.net

Adios.....

ROFL!