I find your defense of the NeoCon position to be the most honest, and (my guess) the closest to reality. You strip away all the romantic nonsense, the SeeNoEvil mythology, that surrounds and cloaks the NeoCon agenda.
I am evil but honest - truly a Canadian neocon. I don't think people are reading the same neocon writings that I read. Democracy in Iraq as an issue of national security rather than moral imperative is stated and derived pretty clearly by the neocons.
"Blood for oil", just like the antiwar protestor's signs say.
Untrue. If control of the oil fields were to fall into the hands of an enemy of the US they would have a massive economic weapon. The WMD fear is largely a fear that WMD will allow Saddam to get the economic weapon. Saddam has made it clear that his strategy is to create a pan-Arabic state under his rule and use the ME oil to crush America's economic power. I have zero qualms about this issue - blood for oil signs notwithstanding.
If, a year from now, we have established something that looks approximately like a democracy in Iraq, and gotten the other nations in the region to quit supporting terrorism, and the "road map" for Israili/Arab peace is on track, then I will end up sounding like you.
On the other hand, if my predictions happen, then you are going to be sounding like me, because you'll realize the NeoCon methods are achieving the exact opposite of what was promised.
One year is the right timeframe.
My guess -
Peace agreement between Israel and Palestine OR Isreal fully occupies Gaza and West Bank after the failure of negotiations.
Collapse of North Korean regime, reunification begins.
50% reduction of American capital in France. France will be made an example of the other American power - economic power.
Virtual withdrawl of US military from Germany.
Closer relationship between India and US.
Democratic revolution in Iran with Iran unable to crush it due to US military force in Iraq. Failure of Islamic Revolution in Iran is crucial to US national security. It simply must happen (much as Israel/Palestine peace must happen).
The biggest risk is Pakistan.
Check in with you in a year.
Paul |
