Iraq — what was and what might have been

[Valin]

Power Line:

Paul Mirengoff

3/20/13

 

Max Boot provides an appraisal of the Iraq War, which the U.S. initiated ten years ago. His appraisal is sound; indeed, I agree with virtually every word.

 

One thing that’s missing from Boot’s account, and from all others I’ve seen, is a consideration of what would have happened had the U.S. not gone to war. Avoiding this discussion is understandable given the speculative nature of “counter-factual” analysis. But one can’t fully evaluate our actions in Iraq without considering what would have occurred in their absence.

 

I see two main consequences of inaction: (1) the development of nuclear weapons by Saddam Hussein’s regime and (2) the mother of all civil wars, come the Arab Spring.

 

(Snip)

 

 

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(3) The Murder Machine would still be rolling along. Of course those that now say (for political reasons ) nothing should have been done never consider that...do they? Also 1st War with Iran...Then War with Kuwait...Who was next?

[Valin]

Could someone please do me a favor? If you are ever in NY City take a baseball bat to the NY Times Editorial board....Thank you.