Will our reputation be damaged if we walk away from Iraq?

jimahl there’s no need for the part about “being hopeless” I think that’s where amblessed felt insulted

btw, where I live, anti-Iraq War sentiments is quite strong, and from what I understand, it’s the case in Europe, China etc. as well. These countries want the Iraq War ended, so I don’t see how staying in Iraq is going to help American standing in the world anyhow

amblessed, I did not need to answer the question, because others had already done so quite well. And if you think that was an “attack”, you need to thicken up that skin a little.

Were you worried about Bush’s policies doing any damage to our reputation?

If we stay for no other reason than our pride, will the rest of the world say “Good god the US is pigheaded and stupid. They have no real reason to stay, but their egos are so puffed up they aren’t willing to leave. What a nation of idiots.”?

Give it up Amblessed. It’s too late.

Oh amblessed, you truely are hopeless. Now you are worried about our reputation? What were you saying when Bush policies were flushing our reputation down the toilet?

Do you deny that our reputation around the world under Bush has probably been the worst in history? When have we every been perceived so poorly before? But now that you have a GOP talking point (what website did this come from?) to attack Obama over, you are suddenly concerned about it.

The traditional definition of victory in war is unconditional surrender.

Then again, we really aren’t in a traditional war. Congress never declared war.

I suppose if our country continues in the current direction victory would be a pro-West puppet government and sweetheart deals for all of the oil countries and putting down any insurgence.

As far as I’m concerned it would be difficult for our reputation to be any worse than it is now.

World opinion, including that of many US allies, was overwhelmingly against US involvement in Iraq, and is now overwhelmingly in favor of a coalition withdrawl. I think continuing the war in Iraq on unilateral terms will send a message to US allies that their concerns and interests are irrelevant. If the US works on an exit strategy, it will move America in the direction it needs to go as far as mending relations with allies in Europe and the Middle East. Keep in mind that supporting, or at least tolerating, the US war in Iraq has put many governments in the Middle East at odds with their people.

Define victory. The Iraq government wants us out - the one we helped setup after we removed Saddam.

Initially, it was to “enforce UN agreements” which Iraq violated, ok, so they’ve changed government. That mission was successful a long time ago.

If it was to setup a new government, they’ve done that.

If it was to discover “weapons of mass destruction” there is no possible way to succeed, as their only nerve gas was discovered in the last go - round, and was in an archive in a UN building in New York.

If the “victory” is something else…then it’s not what we set out to do, and irregardless of the fact we shouldn’t have gone there, we should be withdrawing simply because nobody wants us there, other than people like McCain who chant “victory” but can’t define it.

Depends, but Iraq or Iran will lob various attacks at Israel and Israel won’t back out, they will fight back and count on America to help ‘em. I’m speculating though of course.

Sometimes the best thing is to walk away. Sometimes it’s not. So, possibly they will say that about America. We have freedom of speech here which every asshole out there gets a say about the whole war thing. Liberals… such and such.

Well, if we pull out of Iraq and we don’t finnish the job, that shows that America is weak and we won’t have power to win victory against terrorism. It’ll definitely ruin our reputation if we leave. We went there to get rid of the enemies those who hate Americans especially those who have traditional values and such. As far as our allies go, they probably wouldn’t want our help if we decide to leave. We can’t just leave and not finnish the job. Victory is knowing that you fought the war on terrorism, and showing that you’re proud. That also goes for the Military. I’d rather win the war and then the troops can come home with proud expressions on their faces. I do know for a fact that some people that are in the Military don’t want to continue fighting. Some were forced to do it. Then I wonder, Why did you sign up? But, overall, most patriots that are signed up for the Military are proud and want to finnish the job. It’s just too risky to pull out if the war isn’t finnished. I know that MCcain will finnish what Bush had in place. MCcain knows what victory is. My goodness some people don’t know what it’s like to be tortured in the P.O.W. prison, or shot down in a plane. MCcain does. He’s more experienced in the Military. He’s a true patriot. He won’t let our reputation get ruined. In fact another reason why we shouldn’t leave right away, it’s a safe haven for Al Qaeda. That’ll show that we’re weak. And allot of you that answered this question seem to not understand Al Qaeda. You don’t have to agree with me. Amblessed, great Job! coming up with this.