Bending the Third Rail
Because We Should, We Can, We Do
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Thinking About It
I know, I know, thinking about stuff is dangerous business.

But I've been thinking a bit about my rant the other day regarding the DISASTER in Iraq. While reading about Abizaid's testimony this morning something struck me. A common mistake being made by anyone addressing the issue is that somehow the United States is "in control" in Iraq. All the plans that seek victory have the same flaw, that with the control provided by the U.S., we can influence a "good" outcome vs. a "bad" outcome.

This is a dangerous misconception. The U.S. has no control over what happens in Iraq. We lost any power/influence, and therefore control, we had a looooong time ago. The ultimate outcome is in the hands of, to a large extent, the Iraqis and to some extent the regional leaders. The U.S. with it's many misdeeds, incompetence and criminal acts gave up any claim to having power to effect an outcome in Iraq long ago. Unless we're prepared to nuke the place, we're simply bit players occupying space and making convenient targets when we get in the way:
The U.S. military announced yesterday that six U.S. troops were killed in Iraq on Tuesday.
Written at 9:27 AM by Greyhair.
0 comments