Week of 1/11/09 Post

I thought I'd start by giving a brief introduction of myself and the role I'll play on this blog. My name is Mark. I work full time as a financial advisor for a credit union in Olympia. I've decided to go back to school to further my education and expand my knowledge beyond my current scope. I will be actively monitoring the news in Iraq and from around that region looking for opinions or editorials discussing the war. Although I will be primarily focusing on the war in Iraq, I feel it is important to relay or discuss other issues that are relevant for the region and have a direct effect on the United States approach to liberating Iraq.

My first post I thought I'd discuss a couple thoughts. One of the first articles I read discussed the inauguration of a US Embassy in Baghdad. I found it interesting that the size and structure of the facilities were scrutinized. Apparently the building was built to withstand potential attacks/bombings/etc...which lead a few to criticize Americans for being scared and unwilling to come out from behind our armor and military. I personally think that at this point, regardless of what we do Americans will be perceived in a negative sentiment. It's ridiculous to expect a landmark such as an embassy to be built without security in mind. Bombings are as common in Baghdad as rain is in Seattle...why wouldn't the US take caution and build a structure to sustain an attack?

Another article I found interesting was an opinion article on the similarities of the war in Iraq and the conflict in Gaza. The writer had a very negative perception of Bush, the US and the military involvement in Iraq. Specifically he claims the wars are supported by catchy slogans and not about being a world mediator. He calls the US and other world powers onlookers. This is such a sensitive and touchy subject that it's hard to be in the right. If the US took an active approach we'd be criticized for having the wrong motives. If we don't get involved than we are enabling terrible things to happen. Like I stated above, at this point because of some of our past mistakes and current worldwide perception we don't have the ability to be do the right thing, regardless of what we do.