We'd have to be brutal with terrorists
Reader comment on item: After Saddam? Remaking the Mideast

Submitted by Catherine F (United States), Feb 11, 2003 at 20:32

I too am excited about making Iraq a "South Korea" to the "North Korea" of the rest of the Arab world. All Asians have had to do since the 50s is compare the two Koreas to understand that our way is better than Mao's.

To bring the bulk of the Iraqis solidly into our camp, we should immediately take over the oil fields and distribute funds to the common people. Drop money over poor villages, start savings accounts for each Iraqi family, give them an immediate, visible sign that we are on their side. Then we can start building up a democratic/capitalist structure.

The terrorists among the Iraqis, though, must be dealt with brutally. American parents are not going to allow their children to be shot and dragged through Baghdad's streets by the people were are supposedly helping. No one's compassion goes that far.

Bribe the general population with bounties for turning in terrorist acquaintances; have wanted, dead or alive signs on buildings and sign posts. Throw the terrorists into prison or... but clean them out, or all our plans may disappear, and we'll crawl out of Iraq like we did out of Vietnam.

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