Can’t and won’t argue with your analysis, in fact it is darn good. I’m still disappointed with RR’s selection of GHWB as his VP elevating him to the Presidency, what a mistake.
As posted, his primary choice was Paul Laxalt, but politics drove Ronaldus Magnusto to make this decision. It is a reminder that we all need to think of how bad our decisions will turn out if we sell out our philosphies. President Reagan was duped on many issues, including abortion in California and amnesty in 1986. Trust but verify is not sufficient.
Can you imagine if we hadn't butted in?
Saddam was an evil dictator, but he was a secular evil dictator who kept both the Iranis and also Al-Qaeda in check -- both these hated him
Saddam killed off the most fanatical Irani shias
Saddam also threatened Saudi Arabia
If we hadn't butted in, Saddam in 1999 would be anti-AlQaeda and also would have used the money he got from invading Kuwait to invade and dismember Iran.
The Saudis would be spending money to pay him off, so less for AlQ and the TAliban
Also, Osama's excuse for 9/11 was that we had infidel soldiers on the Holy land of Saudi Arabia