I have never pretended anything. I have pointed out good things, like the opening of schools, and I have speculated, like everyone else, on what might happen down the line. The fact that it seems premature to me to throw in the towel is nothing I am ashamed of. Things have gone worse than I expected, but I knew we would have some trouble after the major military ops: we are fighting terrorism, after all, so what did you think the terrorists would do? I knew we would have some trouble with the Saddam Fedayeen and other Ba'athist remnant, I just didn't anticipate how much they would have prepared for this eventuality. But I do not think things are hopeless, and I await with concern, but also hope, further developments.
As for Vietnam: gerontocrats can have proteges, like anyone else, who will reflect their point of view with the changing of the guards. "Evolution" is worth hoping for, but cannot be counted on. |
