[LK44-40]

I think that [dividing Iraq into three parts] will be the ultimate result, but currently there are two obstacles: 1) our "ally" Turkey objects strenuously to the idea of a sovereign Kurdistan, as it would likely result in the loss of territory currently controlled by Turkey, and 2) Southern Iraq would be absorbed into a greater Persia, which is currently controlled by a madman.

That is the way I see it, too. And that is a ~dismal~ prospect.

If we do not have the stomach for the long go (and I don't think we do) the wreckage is going to be enormous. The things you said plus the general chaos in the M.E., the emboldening of Islamo facisits everywhere, and, at home, a bloodletting among conservatives and devastation at the polls. I am only hanging in with the war because the pain of a backdown there will be calamitous.

[B Knotts]

I agree. Under the right conditions, it might work out for the best, but currently, we just can't let it happen, if we can in any way prevent it.

But it might not be up to us.