""Iraqis, frankly, in my experience, do not understand democracy. Nor do they understand their responsibilities for a free society," Batiste said."
At least this one understands what underlies the so-called "quagmire".
I'd agree with that. They don't. That's why the United States is a big surprise when it comes to that because virtually NONE of the founding fathers had any experience either.
But if we are to EVER leave the region, ever extinguish the threat, we have to try.
Standing by them and staying strong in the fight will show them that we are, if nothing else, committed to it. They'll get the idea eventually in Iraq. I personally think it's already started, but that's just me.