PDA

View Full Version : Iraq, Opinion shifting?


Reginald
13th March 2003, 03:37 AM
The situation gets more interesting.

Yesterday Blair got a less diffecult ride from his own party, both in the commons and in a labour parliamentary commitee meeting.

A straw poll conducted by the bbc is showing that less people view the US/UK possition wrong when compared to the French/Russian possition than has previously been the case (I think the split is about 40/60).

Why is this?

I have a feeling (and people know that I have bias, I will try to keep it aside as best I can) that this could be the result of the people seeing an attempt to compromise on the part of the UK (supported to a point by the US/Spain).

I know the situation is massively complicated and its easy to say, "But the US are going in whatever" a statement I agree with and I think that this attitude has been responsible for the massive negative feeling that has plagued the US/UK/Spain possition to date.

I would say that UK/US compromises are really window dressing for the same end result, I would agree that the French/Russians are saying "No" to the act of military intervention (however the UK/US/Spain word it).

But it is the Public perception that interests me, they see a country itching to attack, that country and it's allies wait, then propose a compromise, and wait, then the same, and then again, more of the same. And through all this you have a state/states saying No and now its being suggested they will say no to whatever is put on the table.


Could it be that irespective of being right or wrong, appearing to be inflexible or arrogant will ultimately damage your possition and/or arguement? And that the Fench/Russians could lose ground because of this?

Jon_in_london
13th March 2003, 03:45 AM
Im actually getting more and more pro-war. Im not quite sure why.

Like your avatar. "dont thrwow spears at me" :D

Mike B.
13th March 2003, 04:48 AM
Hello Reginald,

Yeah I too like Michael Caine in Zulu...

Has any of the anti-war tactics led to this to a degree?

You know the slow clap for Blair, Claire Short on the radio...or is it the feeling that France is seeking to thrawt any action no matter what.

Thanks

Crossbow
13th March 2003, 04:59 AM
To: Reginald

I like your avatar. Michael Caine has been one of my favorite actors for quite some time.

Anyway, I think you are right and that the support for the war is starting to fade. I noticed that now even the US is willing to talk about delaying things by at least two or three weeks and that France is openly using the word 'Veto'.

However, by that time there should be about two more aircraft carrier battle groups on station.

Reginald
13th March 2003, 05:03 AM
Its hard for me to say much more without starting a "right/wrong black/white" discussion.

But on issues in general, there comes a point when i see a constantly negative stance (first perception, whats negative here?), I go beyond the point of seeing it as a principled stand (another perception, at what point?) it then just becomes a "turn off" and I start sympathising with the other guy.

It could be as plain and simple as going with the under dog. (persistant however hopeless).