[FreedomPoster]

I didn't say the Administration didn't have a plan, just that the entire issue hasn't been discussed much.

If we go in and run a "protectorate" for 12-18 months, and then turn it over to the locals, I predict a failure and return to despotism within 5 years. A people who have never had to run their own affairs simply aren't ready to run their own country immediately. We need to discuss this as a nation, because the Left will demand we turn it over to the locals immediately, and that is the wrong thing to do.

[Miss Marple]

Well, here we are discussing it, and I have seen discussion on it before. There wouldn't necessarily be too much discussion by the administration about this in public before war commences, because the final administration of Iraq will depend in how things fall out.

If you will notice, there wasn't too much discussion about post-war Germany and Japan before WWII ended.

[Vigilantcitizen]

I share your concerns, Freedom Poster. However, from what I've read and heard, it seems to me there will be a complete flushing out of Saddam and all those who support him. I sense from the powers that be that they are very tired of Saddam holding back the economic potential of Iraq from itself and the world.

If that happens, I have some confidence that the outcome will be satisfactory.