Just say it louder, then it's true

We’re in Iraq right now with no discernable exit strategy, a president and administration constantly in denial of that fact, and a rising body count. I believe very strongly in the mission to democratize Iraq and to stabilize the country for the good of its inhabitants and the Middle East. But shouldn’t we have planned better?

E.J. Dionne looks at why American post-invasion plans for Iraq were (and are) nonexistent. He quotes Vice President Cheney from a Meet the Press interview in March 2003:

Tim Russert: "If your analysis is not correct, and we're not treated as liberators, but as conquerors, and the Iraqis begin to resist, particularly in Baghdad, do you think the American people are prepared for a long, costly, and bloody battle with significant American casualties?"


VP Cheney: "Well, I don't think it's likely to unfold that way, Tim, because I really do believe that we will be greeted as liberators.”

It’s astounding, disappointing, and disgusting that our leaders continue to believe that assertion, given strongly, can overcome fact. Good luck.