Iraq
Well, I know that this page is going to get read a whole lot today because I am sure I am the only one writing something about recent developments in Iraq. I have been reading Henry Kissinger's Diplomacy. A large paperweight with equally heavy ideas and insights, but I have been attempting to read it and understand it in my spare time. What occurs to me is that change, on an international scale, occurs over decades rather than months. Events that occurred in the 1850's had a significant effect on the outbreak of The Great War. So, with this in mind, I have been reflecting on George W's recent announcement about troop reinforcements to Baghdad. I was disappointed that this would be his reaction to what has been an unsuccessful military operation. His decision to increase troop numbers when the political climate advocates a reduction is bewildering. I was hoping for a radical proposal that no one would expect and in a year or so everyone would be marveling at what an incredible decision it was. His decision was not the decision I expected. But then I started to think about all this from the perspective I have gained from reading Diplomacy. Here are the facts as I see them: Iraq is in turmoil, US and allies caused present situation to occur (did not create differences between Sunni's, Shi'ite and Kurds), are responsible for helping to make amends, will be much better off if Iraq is stable irrespective if they turn out to be a national friend or not. It would seem that the National catch cry of the Americans is to reduce involvement in Iraq. Why? What seemed obvious to me only days ago, now makes no sense. If America started a war to free itself and the world of a terrorist threat then they should see that objective through to its conclusion. If it takes 3 years or 10 is of little consequence. The fact is that they would have achieved what no one else would or could attempt and the world would be a better place for it. Of course there are huge ramifications for this, not the least being that the US could end up becoming like the UK in the md 20th Century, a depleted nation with Superpower overheads. I still think "Stay the course" is an essential philosophy in this situation.