It has become almost monotonous. Another bomb in Baghdad. Approximately 30 people killed. Shadowy terror groups issuing "communiques" claiming responsibility. Or not. Al-qaeda. Islamic militants. Ex-Baathists. Who knows? What is truly frightening about this is that the Bush Administration is determined to turn over sovereignty to Iraqis in June. Right...sovereignty over what, exactly?
Yes, there is now an interim constitution that has been signed. Does any thinking person believe for a second that the people who set off the latest car bomb have any respect at all for a piece of paper? Currently, the only centralized political power in Iraq comes out of the barrel of a gun. Take those guns away, and you will have little but murderous chaos. Each group, whether Shiites, Sunnis, Baathists, or interest groups as yet unidentified demands total dominion over Iraq. Compromise clearly seems to be absent from the political lexicon in Iraq.
In the meantime, American talking heads are furiously attempting to spin events in the most positive light possible. Is it even possible to positively spin a car bomb?? Though no US official will openly cop to this, they've got to know that the US turning over sovereignty to Iraqis will produce a bloodbath of epic proportions. Of course, there IS an election at hand, and the Bushies want to be able to push the point that there man just turned a free Iraq over to Iraqis. Well, guess what, guys? Your best laid plans are falling apart. The Administration's lack of planning and foresight has produced a Hobson's choice: stay in Iraq and risk have the Kerry campaign (justifiably) rip your man apart, or leave Iraq to the murderous throngs and risk having the Kerry campaign (justifiably) rip your man apart. I suppose this is why they call it "leadership", no??
A year ago today, we invaded Iraq. The events of the past year have certainly demonstrated the worth of after-action planning, if nothing else. Yes, we may have "won" the war, but at the cost of randomly tossing young American lives into the cauldron. This Administration has painted itself into a corner, and is now using the lives of American soldiers to buy time while it determines how best to save face. Has it been worth the sacrifice? Republicans will bleat about the fact that the US military deposed and captured Saddam Hussein, and that is certainly a victory. Even so, I can't help but wonder if the same thing could have been accomplised at the cost of fewer American lives? I would also ask the Republicans who are so quick to wrap themselves in flag and faith if it has been their sons and daughters doing the fighting and dying? Somehow I doubt it.
Memo to George W. Bush: Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. One year later, and lies are still lies. Almost 600 dead American soldiers have been the price paid for your lies and deceptions. Go ahead; run on your record. I dare you.
