Unbelieveable

Since the war in Iraq began in 2003, 4488 Americans have given their lives to the cause. Whatever the cause, right or wrong, and however it had been defined and concluded the number of American deaths remains at 4488.

A couple of days ago the United States said that Iraqis are skirting sanctions to Iran with the help of Iran. Our government is reluctant for a public showdown with Iraq, according a NY Times article.

Great! 4488 American lives to bring Iraq into the 21^st century and rid that ancient country of a dictatorial tyrant.

Now we read this in the New York Times.

“In Sunday’s New York Times, James Risen and Duraid Adnan report that many current and former American and Iraqi officials, as well as banking and oil experts, have accused Iraqi government officials of turning a blind eye to the large financial flows, smuggling and other trade with Iran. In some cases, they say, government officials, including some close to Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, have been directly profiting.”

My question is this:

What the heck are we doing tolerating this kind of duplicity at the expense of 4488 American lives.

Why do we allow ungracious Iraqi leaders to profit with Iran with our money?  The larger concern is that any Iraqui  duplicity may contribute to the development of a nuclear weapon in a rogue nation? 

Since the war in Iraq ended we, you and me as taxpayers, Congress as the banker, have sent Iraq 1.11 billion dollars to strengthen democracy, build infrastructure, security and other community action projects. We give lives and treasure for what?

Seems to be we in our country could use 1.11 billion dollars to strengthen democracy, build infrastructure, and establish stability within our own mercantile and economic structures.