Reply #24: Here is a question for you

[Megawatt]

Why would the majoritiy of Shia and Kurds take up the gun ,when they are going to have all the authority and power they have never have under the new Iraq. They've seen us set up a provisional government and get rid of Bremer when we said we would. They've seen us stick to the timetable for the Jan 30 election. I would assume that they are at least willing to take a wait and see attitude to see if after they take power and shape the new government, if we really do start withdrawal. What would be the incentive for them to fight for power when they are going to have the dominant power in several weeks.

Hell there are people on this forum who think Bush is Hitler and that he stole 2 elections - and still not a single person on this entire board is willing to take up arms against the government. What does that tell you?

As far as the Brits occupying Iraq , they weren't telling the Shia and Kurds that they were grooming them to take control of the government in order to expedite an exit strategy. That is what we are telling the Kurds and Shia today (whether that is true or not , history will tell), so that is why your ananlogy is weak at best.