Okay back on topic, there are all kinds of people who leave Islam
http://towelian.wordpress.com/manifesto/
This would make sense EXCEPT just before Iraq War I, Iraqis had one of the, if not the, highest standard of living in the ME. They were educated, seemingly secular, and enjoying their natural resources.Of course Iraq would have been better off right now, because Saddam would have never seen power. Before the U.S. supported him into power, he had been shot and exiled - clearly showing he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of controlling Iraq. Abdul Qassim was adored by the Iraqis for overthrowing the British-established monarchy. There's no way the civilians would have simply allowed an amateur plan to overthrow their new government to go through. Oh, and the U.S. may not have been alone in supporting sides/sharing information in the Iran-Iraq war, but they were the only nation that legitimized Saddam's party, and sustained his power twenty years prior. The U.S. is the country of all countries that started this ongoing war. So yeah, in many important aspects of Iraq's modern history, the U.S. did act alone in damaging the nation for its own profitable means.
You must agree that Iraq, at one time, under Saddam, enjoyed high level of standard of living. That's a Historical fact.Michael,
Now you're putting words in my mouth. Regardless, I've grown rather tired of this debate, so we'll call it a night, unless you have something interesting you want to discuss.
Except for the minor detail of 500,000 children who died under sanctions.
Thank God, it's a miracle!
RE: leaving Islam.
It's common for the first generation to stick to things because, psychologically, they can look back and think, well I had things good - my childhood was good. Etc...
But, when it's all bad from childhood on up, people stop believing and start looking for something else. This could be a ripe time for a new religion in Iraq if it was accompanied with serious good progress.
Michael
Yes exactly.I dont really understand what you are trying to say. Youve posted a link to how young iraqis are getting tired of the violence and are blaming some of their clerics among others and are losing respect for them. Isnt that normal? People start to hate people who they think keep supporting violence. Its happened with a lot of other leaders. This doesnt mean they are starting to leave Islam in their droves, they are just disenchanted with some of the clerics who tehy used to trust.
Is it, yes or no, the choice of the USA to not trade with another country?Uh, you have got to be kidding.