Well it wasn't hindsight. I have held this position from day one (hoping I was wrong and Bush was right) and you can read back through my posts for confirmation. That opinion was based on 11 years as a former covert govt. intel weenie. I am painfully familiar with the ME and only a total ignoramus would think you going to change anything there unless you apply massive, brutal and completely socially unacceptable force.
What is wrong with my logic? Of course you actually have to execute but that depends on who is in power anyway.
Read and think before commenting. NO we can't effectively attack while in country. (Actually that isn't true but changing that reality requires changing the rules of engagement). If we pull out (to Kurdistan not completely - please try to retain this thought) we can sure let them kill each other pretty effectively though. Beyond that, if you can identify discrete targets you CAN take them out (if you have the will). Especially from land carriers (read airstrips) in Kurdistan. Large bases in Kurdistan would allow us to project force quickly anywhere in the region.
You are mixing apples and oranges. You are arguing that stupid and failed policies of the past (Clintoon and his cruise missiles for example) necessitates a new stupid (and failed) policy.
We are not going to change the culture in Iraq. We need to deal with reality and position ourselves as best we can. I'm NOT suggesting we "run away". I am suggesting we take a cold and ruthless approach. Hell if it was up to me I would really deal with the problem. "Reject islam and renounce your culture or I'll kill every man, woman and child in your sick nation." Then we would have culture change. You wouldn't want me as dictator.
Wow. I'm going to sift through your 4 year old posts to make sense of yours today?
I'm not trying to be rude, but did you read what you posted here?
"You have to follow my policy, but if it turns out it doesn't work, then it wasn't executed correctly, and since the current political landscape won't allow my policy, then that proves that my policy is the correct one."
Sir, Bush doesn't have the option of executing perfect strategy in a carte-blanche landscape.
Only armchair sunday quarterbacks have that luxury.