[68skylark]

Your reply to me is taking a somewhat confrontational tone. I don't understand it, and it seems unnecessary in a forum where we're all friends.

I think my memory is pretty good about the events leading up to the war. I followed every single scrap of news I could get my hands on every day, at this forum and everywhere else.

You are correct that the threat from WMD's was put forward as a primary reason for the liberation of Iraq -- my memory matches yours on that point. But other reasons also exist. For me personally, I supported the war out of a desire to liberate millions of people, as well as the opportunity to try to bring some democracy, feedom, tolerance and prosperity to a region that has never experienced it.

It's still unclear whether this effort is going to work -- the chace of failure has always been large. But I support this as a goal that's worthy of a great nation, and I'll be happy to play a personal role in this if I can.

[A. Pole]

It's still unclear whether this effort is going to work -- the chace of failure has always been large. But I support this as a goal that's worthy of a great nation, and I'll be happy to play a personal role in this if I can.

If the goal is the greatness and glory then it is better to emulate the ancient Rome which took risks in order to become a world empire. If one wants to preserve the republican order and stability over the long time one should emulate the Swiss Confederation or ancient Sparta which preserved their constitutions for several centuries.

You made the choice already. But the risk in the path of empire is considerable as Athenian republic has learned.