Posted by 4Heather on September 27, 2009 at 6:48pm
The fall and capture of Saddam Hussein in 2003 by the United States, benefited not only our nation, not only our avid groups of hurt and wounded people, but another group whose instability and hostility overwhelm the world today. A group, whose influence and scare tactics have worked their way through the Iraqi system. Now, because of this group, officials and elections are being doubted for their legitimacy in Iraq. The lack of authority provided a perfect opportunity for an near, intimidating country with a “whatever it takes” attitude, to step in. This group, shunned by many, feared by more, is Iran, and their influence and pull in Iraq has many concerned.
I will attempt to explain in the following what it is Iran is being accused of, the possibilities of their power, and our nation’s opinion. I can honestly say, that though I tend to pride myself on my current issues knowledge, the following story I really did not know much about. I had to research it, and found countless reports and accusations towards Iran, and speculations of their intent, and just how far their pull in the weakened country can truly go.At the present time, the United States’ concerns lie with Iran’s active support of the major political Shiite Muslim groups, whose loyalty and ties can be traced to Tehran. This though, is not the full extent of the problem. This group, being armed and supported by Iran, has been traced to extreme acts of violence, even going as far as to launch some attacks at U.S. forces. Obviously, this has us concerned. Our relations with Iran have been tense, to say the least, especially because of disagreements over their nuclear programs. Our goal in Iraq has been to stabilize, to move into power a more just form of government. The Iranians whose pull is so strong within Iraq have a different goal that can and will hinder our progress, and the peace that we will try to maintain.
The possibilites of Iran’s power, if their influence is not somehow fought, is quite gloom. With the dangerous weaponry that they are supplying to radical Iraqi groups, they could very well push the United States and British forces out of Iraq, or prevent us from ending Iran’s suspicious nuclear program.Current speculation places the number of Iran supported forces at 150. If this goes unsolved, unchecked, the number could balloon until Iraq’s entire government is dominated and pressured by Iran’s ideals.However, there are people who believe that the Iranian influence will fade away over time. The constitution established in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein doesn’t support Iranian ideals. Also, Iraqi Shiites, during the Iran-Iraq war, seemed to stay, for the most part, loyal to their country. Many hope that as we continue to maintain peace in Iraq, and hold stability in our forces, this loyalty will overwhelm the prominent Iranian influence.Personally, I do worry about Iran. Their nuclear program and open hostility to our nation is frightening, and if they were to eventually control Iraq, I see things being very dangerous for us in the long run. Of course, I wish that there were some way to resolve these issues without the violent extremes that are so prominent in the current situation. Yet, there always has been, and always will be those violent groups who intend to create pain and suffering for their own gain. it’s a near fact of life, and though its scary, it seems nearly impossible to change. We can only hope that those who showed loyalty to Iraq years ago, will continue to do so, and maybe peace, not only for Iraq, can be established in the long run. I hope so…
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