In a message dated 2/13/03 1:19:39 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> As far as the Germans were concerned, I may agree. It remains nevertheless a
> blatant violation of one provision of the Versailles Treaty which was
> signed
> in 1919 and effectively ended WWI.
>

Oh yeah I know.  Adolph did as well.  He didn't care much for that treaty.

[log in to unmask] also writes:

Read the provisions of the Versailles Treaty, the enormous financial
penalties that were exacted against Germany after 1919 and you get a case of
how to push innocent people (the German civilians that were hurt by the
penalties) into your enemy's arms (Hitler). Now substitute Saddam for
Hitler, UN sanctions for war reparations, Irak for Germany, and you may
understand why the Irakis are dead set against the West. Add an overdose of
Saddam propaganda, and you get the picture. Of course, in the future we may
bring them democracy and a few other nice features, but that is long term.
In the short term, all the Iraki civilians perceive from us is that the West
is starving them. Whether it is the truth or not is irrelevant. I'm talking
about perception.
----------------------------
I strongly agree!  perception is critical!!!!  The USA is perceived as the
"Great Satan" in many minds in the Middle East.  Adding to that perception
with military actions is not going to make the US more popular.

Wayne

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