Mike -- I have mixed feelings about Iraq. One one hand, Saddam is a potential threat and getting the inspectors in with UN backing was entirely positive. OTOH, I have misgivings about the consequences of another war. Aside from the many who will be killed, there is the question of maintaining peace among the various group --- the kurds, shiites, and sunis. I think Afghanistan has worked out better than I thought and shows the power of the dollar. I don't agree with Zonder that the Arab world will be all against us for a war. Those who hate us will continue to hate us while many leaders in the ME are repelled by Saddam.
However, I think Bush is missing an opportunity in Iran. He should be showing interest in the nascent democratic movement. By labeling them as evil, he may be pushing a major force of Islamic moderation away from us. He cannot be too overt about this, as it would label the moderates as pro-American -- the kiss of death. However, one of the posts I transferred here was the poll showing 75% of Iranians want closer ties to the US. This could be the basis for developing a relationship with Iran. Iran, remember, is the biggest source of fundamentalist Muslim activity. They are less extreme than the Saudi's, but have a much larger population. Needless to say, they hate Saddam. Bush should be, and may be, giving covert support to the moderates.
Mike-- I have a sickening feeling that another terrorist attack is coming. How about you?
fred |
