In 2003 Arab parts of Iraq had a population of 20mln and American and British invasion force in March 2003 was 250.000 and Donald Ramsfeld said these forces were not enough.
I would wager they are hoping or expecting the Russian speaking portion of Ukraine which is much of the East to "police" themselves, therefore occupation of these areas is not needed if this is the case.
I spoke to my friend today about this, and it reminded me of the Iran US relation.
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Still, you haven't answered my question above! But well you don't have to answer it (because you won't be able to answer it), I'll explain to you what's really going on with Russia especially Putin. The era of colonization of the Soviet Union (Russia) has ended, many countries that were formerly colonized by the Soviet Union (Russia) have now separated themselves from the Soviet Union (Russia) and become independent countries again (including Ukraine). Here Russia/Putin don't understand the real situation, they don't understand that they are over (the Soviet Union). US NATO will not attack Russia (because of thousands of nuclear) even though Ukraine is no longer an ally of Russia, and vice versa Russia will not dare to attack the west. So here it looks like Putin is being paranoid, confused and doesn't think about the future of Russia's economy. Putin should think like China, even though China has a communist ideology they still cooperate widely with the west, and now China with a different ideology from the west is the second largest country in the world in terms of economy (unlike Russia which is getting worse). Russia's biggest problem is Putin being paranoid, uncontrollable and power hungry. Many Russians are dissatisfied with Putin's iron fist policy. Democracy no longer exists in Russia, which is ruled by only a handful of power-hungry people (Putin). Many people who speak out for their democratic rights in Russia are imprisoned or even deliberately killed. That is why Russia will never progress in terms of its economy and democracy. I am disappointed with countries like Syria, Yemen and Venezuela supporting the occupation carried out by Russia/Putin (even though their fate is being attacked by other countries too. IRONIC). They should be SILENT. Even though they are especially allied with Syria (even though Russia is actually only using Syria's strategic location as a base) with Russia (which is two-faced), they should stay in the right position. I am also disappointed with the comments of Iranian politicians about the Ukraine-Russia situation, they should have made their comments more wisely or else they should have kept quiet. We know Iran is friendly with Ukraine and Russia so Iran should be in a conciliatory position instead of making amateurish comments. What would happen if Russia attacked INDEPENDENT countries like Iran, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela? I don't support US NATO or Russia China, I just hate other countries attacking INDEPENDENT country, pity the innocent people of Ukraine who are victimized by the power-hungry maniac Mr Putin's paranoid! Iran and its allies must remain vigilant and careful with the two-sided politics of Russia/Putin, they are never willing to help. Iran still remember the S-300? Syria still remember the Israeli-Russian behind the scenes?
Ukraine has no real army. This will be a cakewalk for Russia. No comparison to Iraq at all. Sanctions irrelevant as Russia also carries a big economic counterstick. The assault phase will be wrapped up in a week. Maybe two. The major activity will be economic-diplomacy in the aftermath.
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