Tonight I watched part of a discussion on Iraq and counterinsurgency held at the Cato Institute. The Cato Institute is a right-wing think tank that is far more libertarian than conservative, so you'd expect some degree of criticism of our problems in Iraq.
By the end of the discussion it was clear that we are just plain f*cked over there. There are no good options, success (as framed before the invasion in 2003) is impossible and Bill O'Reilly's recent insinuation that putting a strongman (like Saddam Hussein, ironically) back in power and getting the hell out may be our eventual course of action.
As an American, this just plain hurts. I've been working all week with Marines and this kind of stuff just makes me feel bad about this whole situation. The guys I'm working with are smart, attentive and hard working, but it's clear that this situation wears on them.
My point here is that I hope we get some real movement on Iraq after this political season ends. I understand that it would be political suicide for the Republicans to admit to this mess or for the Democrats to stop their whining, but here's hoping that wise decisions get made after the elections. I think we'll all be better off if that happens.
By the end of the discussion it was clear that we are just plain f*cked over there. There are no good options, success (as framed before the invasion in 2003) is impossible and Bill O'Reilly's recent insinuation that putting a strongman (like Saddam Hussein, ironically) back in power and getting the hell out may be our eventual course of action.
As an American, this just plain hurts. I've been working all week with Marines and this kind of stuff just makes me feel bad about this whole situation. The guys I'm working with are smart, attentive and hard working, but it's clear that this situation wears on them.
My point here is that I hope we get some real movement on Iraq after this political season ends. I understand that it would be political suicide for the Republicans to admit to this mess or for the Democrats to stop their whining, but here's hoping that wise decisions get made after the elections. I think we'll all be better off if that happens.
