Country Quote by Tom Brokaw
“One of the things that we don't want to do is to destroy the infrastructure of Iraq, because in a few days we're going to own that country.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: News interview, 2003, post‑invasion Iraq
The quote warns against destroying Iraq's infrastructure, arguing that the U.S. will soon control the country and needs its foundations intact.
In simple terms: Don't ruin Iraq's infrastructure if you plan to govern it.
Key Takeaway
Preserve essential systems before taking control.
Themes
responsibility
governance
infrastructure
war
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- military occupation
- post‑war reconstruction
- policy planning
- international aid
Key Concepts
state‑building
strategic foresight
humanitarian concerns
Questions to Reflect On
- How can occupying forces balance security with rebuilding?
- What are the long‑term impacts of infrastructure loss?
A Different Perspective
Preserving infrastructure may be costly and politically contentious.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
