Restraint in Iraq

Submitted by Dan Weil (United States), May 2, 2006 at 12:35

Written with unaccustomed restraint, this commentary is probably the most insightful and important contribution to developing a realistic American policy toward Iraq. It will, of course, be ignored. Eisenhower, Reagan and Bush I, all leaders deeply steeped in foreign affairs at the time they entered the presidency, understood the use and limits of American power. Restraint was a hallmark of their presidencies.

Bush II's lack of background and experience in foreign affairs allowed him to harbor dreams that have no basis in fact or reality. As a result, America has and will continue to suffer his mistakes for decades to come. And suffer we should for the voters of this nation chose a person to be president of the most powerful military and economic country in the world who had no credentials for the job. Thus, it is not Bush II or his advisers who deserve condemnation. It is us, the voters. We have acted irresponsibly. Hopefully, the coming generation of Americans will learn from our mistakes.

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