Today the final band of US combat troops withdrew from Iraq, however this doesn't end the multi national nightmare which has been responsible for over a reported 100,000 Iraqi deaths and 2 Trillion dollars (conservative estimates) of US emergency (deficit) spending. The largest consequences of the war where by far felt by the Iraqi people, who have been subjected to ethnic cleansing, depleted uranium munitions, searches at all hours, mercenary massacres (Blackwater, Nisor square), complete destruction of essential services, retribution killings and an impotent corrupt government, to name just a few. The price was also paid by the American under served class who gained only body bags and severe post traumatic stress disorders from the ordeal.
The cost of the Iraq war was felt on the widespread global economic level as well. In 2006-07 the price of oil raised from a constant $30-40 per barrel to around $120. While a decent amount of the price rise can be attributed to unregulated speculation in oil futures in the stock market (fueled by an unstable middle east), factors of a falling dollar (from deficit spending) and increased demand for middle eastern oil by the US war machine created the necessary prequel for global economic collapse. When prices shot up businesses had to pay more for the supplies they needed to carry out anything that involved physical materials. In th USA this was largely felt by the construction industry. In order to cut costs workers had to be let go. Workers with formerly consistent salaries and home mortgages where left with no job and no way of paying for their homes. In 2008 the housing bubble collapsed due to the inability of the working class to pay there ruling class masters for the privilege of owning a home (which they themselves used to build or design). Once the payments stopped coming the bets in the market exploded and the climate of fear created the climate for the bourgeoisie to swindle the next 4-5 generations of under classes out of billions in bailout moneys. In an intertwined global economy every decision has major ripple effects.
Just want to give a shout out (shout at) to the Bush admin, oil companies, speculators and lobbyists for pulling off the greatest fuck up (or is it?) in modern history. Thanks to your idiocy-greed we may reach the breaking point of class inequity 50 years sooner than was soon possible before. But I guess that 50 years will cover your kids lifetime :( Either way most of those in my graduating class will never get to practice Architecture as their primary career. The forces of destruction have usurped the ability of those who chose to be creators.
Those who cry foul about gov't spending on things like health care and social security (investment in social prosperity), maybe take a step back and re-examine your priorities.
Big ups to the troops who where forced to serve in this war. All the veterans Ive met have had the best intentions and feel great empathy for the Iraqi people. So much so in fact that they don't want to leave them to their surely bloody fate (but are glad to be gone). In a perfect world this conflict would have a solution that would benefit all sides. In the real world war and occupation never benefits either side.
~R!
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