"Our policies toward the Muslim world in general and Iraq in particular were always risky and experimental."
I have stated before that Bush hoped that history could be overcome, and that arab muslims would be capable of civil peaceful democratic self-rule.
I happen to admire him for trying to do what he felt was the "right thing" by giving them a chance. It looks like he guessed wrong.
In the end, it appears tribal loyalties are too strong, religious differences are too violent and strong, democracy is incapable of being learned in such a short time by those with zero history of it, and that 140,000 troops is way short of the number needed to occupy and pacify this place.
Those who have called Powell names should remember some of his advice. Have overwhelming force, have a plan to get out. I think he also said "you break it and it is yours."
Now I will probably be called names for speaking favorably of Powell, for I know he is among the countless leaders that FR kneejerks to speak poorly of. But it turns out his faction were closer to correct, than those who said we would be greeted with flowers.
Bush/Rummy stuck with their original plan long after they knew it wasn't working. Far too long. Better leaders would have adjusted sooner.
You're right. Powell was more accurate than anyone else, and the reason I believe is because he is a history buff. He actually studies history. Thus, he sensed, even if he didn't know for sure, that there was no way to introduce democracy to a culture that simply couldn't support it; a culture where tribal affiliation holds sway over all life; where people marry their cousins to "keep it in the family".