As if we weren't already up to our waist in Iraq's Civil War

Flag of Iraq under Saddam and recognized by the United Nations (The green Arabic text is read right-to-left and says "Allah Akbar" or "God is great"

As of today, another five of our servicemen have died in September to continue to add to the increasing daily rate of Americans dying in Iraq -- last month's high total of 65 was 50% higher than July's total -- and all of these young Americans died for what defined or stated reason?

Well, the big argument today is whether the Kurd's in the north can fly their flag (below) or must continue to fly the flag that the US deemed to be their "official flag" (image at the top of this posting and the one used by Saddam); that is, the official flag recognized by the United Nations and favored by a large segment of the Arab population of Iraq.

President Jamal Talabani, one of the leader of the Kurds has dictated the red, white and green stripes and he is supported by a fellow Kurd, regional "President" in the Kurdish northern region (yes, more than one president), Massoud Barzani, whereas Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (an Arab) supports the "Saddam-dictated" flag -- Iraq's flag from even before Saddam Hussein.


Iraq Flag recognized by Kurds

Now step back for a minute and look carefully at the map of Iraq below showing the five "major" areas that separate one area from another culturally, racially and by religion. Can you see why President Bush has a difficult time answering the question, "What are our objectives in the continuing occupation/war in Iraq?"


The real problem is the map of Iraq which looks like the (successful) redistricting of Texas engineered by Tom DeLay to add seven House seats

Pretty sad, huh? As I mentioned in a recent posting, the number of Americans who have died over there has nearly reached the total of Americans killed on 9/11 ... fighting for ... what? No plan for winning -- in fact, no definition of winning; no objectives and no exit strategy. Well, I suppose it's relevant to someone from Texas that the pipeline from the major Iraqi oil fields to its largest (oil) port goes through all five regions.

Is it just me or are most Americans both confused and seriously concerned that our young people are dying over these kinds of questions?