h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

HI sarge,

great entry. I just wanted to point out another theory I'd heard about why Sadam didn't invite back weapons inspectors. Assuming he didn't have the weapons or apparatus, the theory is that he didn't want it to be known that he was disarmed, for fear of invasion from his neighbors. I think normally it would be a stretch, but since we're talking about someone of questionable mental character, I think it's plausible. What do you think about it?

dave

I suppose it would be possible, the bluff of having WMDs to deter an Iranian invasion. Of course wouldn't he assume the threat of a US invasion greater?

I guess he SHOULD have assumed the threat of US invasion was greater, but before that invasion took place he wouldn't have had to be deranged to assume that nothing new would come of the newest Security council resolution (1441). There had been so many, and inspection regimes to boot.

When Bush issued the ultimatum for Saddam & sons to leave the country, I wonder if it crossed his mind that Bush was serious, or did he consider it just another bluff.

dave

I think the assumptions being made are that everyone thinks as we do. Culture has a great part to play in understanding how people think. There is a popular situation comedy series on UK television called "Auf Weidersehen, Pet" - a group of working class builders is given a job building the new residence for the British Embassador in Cuba. One of the Attaches says to them something like "Tempo Ingles" (English time) when written next to a time means be there on the dot. (the local view of time is very flexible). In many parts of the world people have different attitudes to punctuality, telling the truth, bargaining, keeping promises, obeying the law and so on. Unless we know what the local system is and how it works properly we will have a clash of cultures.

I think we have some idea of the meaning of "losing face" but until we really can understand it we will find ourselves digging deeper holes rather than broadening horizons.

My apologies - I should also have said I think your entry is a great contribution and I admire you for putting it in.

I agree 100% So many problems are caused simply by the fact that we come from such different cultures.