I think you have missed the point of the Colonel's historical allusion. It has nothing to do with the fate of Napoleon's army in Egypt (the strategic situations are not comparable). Rather, he is pointing out the contrast between the due process offered by the French and the murderous destructiveness of the extremist Muslims. Obviously, a similar contrast exists today between United States and our enemies.
So yes, you probably should take historical notes from the Colonel.
I'll go with Buckley. He has an understanding far beyond someone who is currently in Iraq and wants to believe in his cause.
Thus far, Mr. Buckley has yet to demonstrate his greater understanding of Iraq. I would wait to see what specific measures Mr. Buckley proposes (if any) before taking him seriously.
I believe Mr. Buckley has a very strong grasp of history, something 'conservatives' by their actions cannot say. Let's say Mr. Buckley proposes withdrawal at some future point. And as more conservative commentators wake up from the myopia of partisanship they have been in, they agree with Mr. Buckley. I mean we've already had a 'Mission Accomplished' banner and a few elections replete with purple fingers. What else is there to do?
Let's also say that as civil war breaks out in Iraq (which it will eventually) that is the only viable military decision. Will 'conservatives' then accept Mr. Buckley's views? Or will they continue to support administration policy of 'spreading democracy'?