15 November 2006
What will (can) Dems do about Iraq?
F&P always believed that while the Democrats' talking points about Iraq during the campaign would be just enough to get them elected. What Democrats would do if, in fact, they were elected remained to be seen. In fact, very little substance could be derived from "bring the troops home," or "redeployment."
Now that the Dems are in power, they have actual responsibility and share the consequences if the United States fails in Iraq and retreats with little or no foreign policy objectives met. If the United States loses the war (read: prematurely withdrawing forces, allowing Iraq to slip into civil war thereby creating a haven for Islamic terrorists), Western Civilization will be in peril. The first battle of this World War will have been won by the enemy.
Thus, it remains to be scene whether the Democrats will unite the nation behind a strategic plan for victory, or advocate the fanciful notion that if we just "bring the troops home" all will be alright in the world.
John Heilemann of New York Magazine lays out the competing visions within the Democratic Party nicely here.
Now that the Dems are in power, they have actual responsibility and share the consequences if the United States fails in Iraq and retreats with little or no foreign policy objectives met. If the United States loses the war (read: prematurely withdrawing forces, allowing Iraq to slip into civil war thereby creating a haven for Islamic terrorists), Western Civilization will be in peril. The first battle of this World War will have been won by the enemy.
Thus, it remains to be scene whether the Democrats will unite the nation behind a strategic plan for victory, or advocate the fanciful notion that if we just "bring the troops home" all will be alright in the world.
John Heilemann of New York Magazine lays out the competing visions within the Democratic Party nicely here.
# posted by Publicola @ 9:06 AM 
