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Darfur does not pose a threat to U.S national security; why should the US do anything about the matter if the UN isn't willing to?

And yes, Iraq did pose a threat to U.S national security (granted, much less of a threat than we had previously thought, but a threat nonetheless).

Let the UN take the lead on Darfur if it's such a pressing matter.
turtle | 07.17.07 - 2:30 pm | #

Darfur does not pose a threat to U.S national security; why should the US do anything about the matter if the UN isn't willing to?

Since when has the UN been a benchmark for righteousness?

And unless China doesn't show up when they Security Council votes on it, UN action on Darfur will be vetoed.

And yes, Iraq did pose a threat to U.S national security...

I think it's clear now that it was a relatively minor threat.
Ryan S. | Homepage | 07.17.07 - 2:53 pm | #

First off, thank you for your kind words Ryan, and I'm honored to have earned a response post!

Our main disagreement seems to be about the nature of the insurgency - not to put words in your mouth, but it seems you think it can be defeated, while my primary argument is that it is being fueled by the continued U.S. presence. You're correct – it is a sensible debate worth having, if only our government would do it instead of playing election-year politics constantly.

If the surge seems to be making a marked difference in the coming weeks, I have no problem giving it more time (unlike Mr. Bush and his UN inspectors - water under the bridge now though). Again, I'm more a pragmatist than an ideologue, and have no problem changing course to something that works. I only wish such actions in government were praised instead of scolded as "flip-flopping." That said, continually putting our troops at risk for naught is senseless and should stop as soon as it is apparent that is occurring.

Pakistan is in a tough spot, as are we with dealing with them. That's the stuff other posts are made of, our alliance and Musharraf himself are both walking a fraying tightrope.

I appreciate Ryan's back up on Darfur - I've been a fan of more action for years on that issue. A radical Islamic government that once housed Bin Laden and is now killing its own people is very much a threat to our security, not to mention our credibility as peacekeepers and moral leaders against genocide.

Overall, I appreciate the commentary and think Ryan and I are actually closer than we've ever been on this issue. And yes, I hope to post more frequently, though I don't make promises that might turn hollow as the school year starts up again soon!
Mike McKain | 07.17.07 - 8:07 pm | #

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