The middle of nowhere

Prospect Magazine ^ | May 1, 2007 | Edward Luttwak

[nosofar]

Western analysts are forever bleating about the strategic importance of the middle east. But despite its oil, this backward region is less relevant than ever, and it would be better for everyone if the rest of the world learned to ignore it

Why are middle east experts so unfailingly wrong? The lesson of history is that men never learn from history, but middle east experts, like the rest of us, should at least learn from their past mistakes. Instead, they just keep repeating them.

[JoeFromSidney]

We can ignore them? We tried that before 9/11/01.

[Cornpone]

Thank you.

[rmlew]

I would agree but for the following
1. Luttwak underestimates terrorism.
2. He underestimates the damage the Muslim states can do to the world economy using oil
3. Pakistan is nuclear. Iran is going nuclear. And others will follow.
4. Islam is not limited to the Middle East. Look at 1/4 Indians, southern Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and part of the Philippines.
5. They are spreading into Europe.

[gcruse]

“But despite its oil,’

LOL

But, other than that Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?

[glorgau]

Didn’t Luttwak predict hundreds of thousands of US casualties during Gulf War I?

The guy has no credibility.