Iraq/Afghanistan

[Pogue]

Why is the left anti-war if the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan got rid of fascist dictatorships who commited crimes such as murder, torture and rape, in place of some form of 'democracy' which although not perfect is surely preferable?

[gla22]

because the war is a war of imperialism and its purpose is to expand the capitalist system.

[KrazyRabidSheep]

What democracy?
Republic, maybe. However the electoral process in Iraq poses questions to that (I won't go in depth since that would take up space, unless you insist.)

I think I'll write a little thesis on "democracy" sometime. It is a word that is thrown about way too much (by both right- and left-wingers.)
"Fascist" and "communist" are thrown about too freely, too.

Anyway, where have you been? In the news there have been murder, torture, and rape stories involving the occupation. For every reported murder, torture, or rape committed by occupying forces, how many are covered up and not reported by the media?

I am not denying that Iraq's despotism and Afghanistan's warlord system were not brutal and oppressive. However, this occupation has not proven itself better.

Then there is the fact that foreign powers have a veto in purely internal affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan (which is contrary to the very nature of democracy.)

I have no interest in tracking down 5+ year old posts (if they are still around), but if you're really that curious, I recall the false premises for Iraq upset the members of this forum more then anything, even before the premises were proven false.

War is not something that should be thrown about lightly, even if the intentions are good. War often makes matter worse rather then better.

However, if the intentions were good, why would the powers committing to such a war have weaved such a web of deceit?

[Faux Real]

Why is the left anti-war if the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan got rid of fascist dictatorshipsFascist is a buzzword here. Can you identify how the Taliban or Saddam regimes were fascist?

who commited crimes such as murder, torture and rape, in place of some form of 'democracy' which although not perfect is surely preferable?"Democracy" is about the people in these countries replacing one group of people who committed the same crimes with another--in the interest of opening up new markets and controlling petroleum exports? There is no visible improvement in these countries. Or do you really think the hundreds of thousands of deaths are worth all of that?

I, for one, don't prefer any scenario where an occupier gets away with mass murder.

[Lector Malibu]

Fascist is a buzzword here. Can you identify how the Taliban or Saddam regimes were fascist?
"Democracy" is about the people in these countries replacing one group of people who committed the same crimes with another--in the interest of opening up new markets and controlling petroleum exports? There is no visible improvement in these countries. Or do you really think the hundreds of thousands of deaths are worth all of that?

I, for one, don't prefer any scenario where an occupier gets away with mass murder.

This.