Thank Goodness For Daddy's Buddies

Before I continue I must admit that I am basing what I say here on the press coverage of the Iraq Study Group's Report. I have not yet read it. Once I have read it, I will comment further.

That said, it seems to me that this report is a call to change course. In order to have any hope of success in the Middle East, this administration needs to find alternative means to get there. "Stay the course" and no timetable -- and no real measurement for success -- cannot win this war.

Isn't this what I've been saying all along? Maybe I should run things around here. Wait, my closet's too full.

Anyway, my point isn't that I was right about the war, my point here is that George W. Bush has an opportunity right now to change the course of history. If we continue down this road, the situation in Iraq will get more dangerous. The conflict, and anti-Americanism, will spill further into other Middle Eastern countries. We will have created a nightmare that not even our mighty armed forces can defeat (I say mighty because that is what they are. If you recall, our soldiers and marines win every battle. It is when we leave them standing by idly that they become fodder for the death squads and car bombings). Eventually, we will get out of the region. But at that time, Israel's situation will have been made vulnerable, fanatacism would be the norm and attacks would continue that would make 9/11 look like a minor ordeal.

All he has to do, though, is listen. If George W. Bush can just listen to the advice of the Study Group, there is a chance we can succeed.

Change the course. Work with Iran and Syria. Use diplomacy. Change the strategy.

Remember, George, Mr. Baker is your father's friend. They handled Iraq properly fifteen years ago. He is wise. And he is right.

George W. Bush, by just listening, can save us all from a potentially grim future.

And maybe history will find a way to forgive him.