The Other Iraq

ballz2wallz · 11-14-2006, 06:09 PM

In a surprising article, MSNBC is actually reporting some good news in Iraq.

The push for development includes a Western-style advertising strategy with ads on cable TV, in radio and magazines, and a new investment law approved by the region's National Assembly to attract money from foreign investors. The region's economy already is one of the strongest in the Middle East.

Emphasis mine of course, but it's interesting to see that in such a short amount of time, it's considered one of the 'strongest in the Middle East'.

Make no mistake about it, a good article about Iraq cannot go without some bad news mixed in. We certainly wouldn't want people to read about the good things without being reminded of the bad!

But the semi-autonomous ethnic enclave — the ads call it “the other Iraq,” — is faced with realities that could undermine its aspirations.

Kurdish terrorist groups with separatist goals and a deadly history have taken responsibility for recent bombings. That fact, tied to the violence in greater Iraq and a government with a reputation for corruption, has dampened investment enthusiasm.

Nonetheless, the area seems to be doing quite well, and is perhaps the door into gaining peace and prosperity in that region. The videos are pretty nice.

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Donkey® · 11-14-2006, 10:36 PM

I find it funny "a strong economy in Iraq" is somehow worth the death and destruction going on...especially the Americans soldiers.

Thorgrim · 11-14-2006, 11:30 PM

Right next to it, MSNBC had an article:
Hirsh: Iraq Is Hopeless, But Not Afghanistan - Newsweek Michael Hirsh - MSNBC.com

Anyway, Kurdistan is only going to do good if it gets really lucky

Iran, Syria, Turkey and the rest of Iraq all want a piece...thats 3 well trained armies against militia gangs that Saddam crushed several times in his spare time while fighting a major war

Once we leave, something stupid will happen, a kurdish terrorist will kill some Turks, Turkey will say thats the last straw, Iraq will attempt to "help" Kurdistan, which they will rebuff and say they are indepedent, then it will happen again and Turkey will come in, and then Iran and Syria will put claims on their parts, and Iraq will either clash with Turkey or secure whatever is left

Either way, I wouldn't invest in there unless you had a gun to my head

ballz2wallz · 11-15-2006, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

Anyway, Kurdistan is only going to do good if it gets really lucky

Iran, Syria, Turkey and the rest of Iraq all want a piece...thats 3 well trained armies against militia gangs that Saddam crushed several times in his spare time while fighting a major war

I can only wish the Kurds the best. They seem to be doing well so far, and I hope it continues.

7th Ninjai · 11-15-2006, 08:43 AM

I think it's silly to complain about the media not reporting any of the "good" we are doing in Iraq. 100+ people per day are dying in Baghdad alone. Think about that. They are experiencing the body count we had on Sept 11th every month. I'm not sure how the "good news" of building a school (which will eventually be blown up) or digging an irrigation ditch is supposed to off set that number. Our actions in Iraq have directly created these conditions - we should all be ashamed of that.

ballz2wallz · 11-15-2006, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by 7th Ninjai

They are experiencing the body count we had on Sept 11th every month.

They experience 3k deaths every month?!

AVengeance · 11-15-2006, 10:17 AM

Why is that a surprise? The election is over, and democrats have the congressional majority now. It's OKAY to report good news when the libbies are in charge (even though they don't really take over until next year).

ballz2wallz · 11-15-2006, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by AVengeance

Why is that a surprise? The election is over, and democrats have the congressional majority now. It's OKAY to report good news when the libbies are in charge (even though they don't really take over until next year).

:doh:

I forgot, I even predicted this

BE prepared...

7th Ninjai · 11-15-2006, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

They experience 3k deaths every month?!

Let's not focus on that though. Instead, let's focus on the good news like the massive amount of tax payer funds we've spent forming a puppet government that will collapse as soon as we do leave.

Thorgrim · 11-15-2006, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

:doh:

I forgot, I even predicted this

BE prepared...

I guess you didn't check the news today but 6 US Soldiers were killed

avsp · 11-17-2006, 07:58 AM

"The region's economy already is one of the strongest in the Middle East."
Do you know how is this being measured?
If it by the level of foreign investment, then the region is in a slightly perculiar position.

I can only wish the Kurds the best. They seem to be doing well so far, and I hope it continues.

I concur but calls for a Kurdish nation are going to prove intensely problematic especially in relation to Turkey.