What? You speak of another war between those countries?
I think Iraqis killed enough Iranians in the 80s and that was enough!
I think Iraqis killed enough Iranians in the 80s and that was enough!
Let me just mind you that freedom isn't free. And the Iraq that was at war with Iran 1980-88 is very much different from the Iraq of today. In a name, the difference is Saddam Hussein. In 1980, Saddam had just taken over the country by most undemocratic means. In 2005, Saddam spends his time in one of his presidential palaces, except that this time he isn't the boss. His greatest exploits have been limited to poetry writing and raising a garden. And hopefully sometime soon he will become acquainted with rope.
The White House says that major theme of Bush's inaugural address will be spreading freedom and democracy throughout the world. However, it'll only be about 15 minutes long, and he has a companion list of domestic items on his agenda, so don't expect too much. It won't be disappointed if I don't hear Syria or Iran mentioned by name.
The event that I'm really anticipating is the State of the Union address. Question: Does anyone know when the SOTU is supposed to be? Every year I can never find when it's supposed to be. Almost like nobody knows when it's happening 'till a week before. Which seems strange. I mean, it's basically one of the biggest political events of the year.
I'd like to see a new statement of the 'revised' Axis of Evil: Syria, Iran, and North Korea. The connection between Iran and Syria is obvious. North Korea is also a supplier for Iran for missles, as I recall. But another benefit of the War in Iraq is that we've scared Kim Jong-il. He went into hiding after March 2003, terrified that he was next. Looks like we're going to be resuming talks with North Korea. Waste of time, probably, but I guess it is just one of those things you need to do.
But back to Iran. "Peaceful" regime change could be imminent if Bush unconditionally backs the freedom-lovers in Iran, and says something to the effect of, Iran, change your habits and actions - we strongly recommend that you do. The important thing is for Bush to single out by name the dissidents in Iran, and say that we support your cause. I've seen several dissidents say that the only thing they need from the US is the president's solid backing. The Iranian people seem to have great trust in the US; they are unwilling to go out on a limb, if they can't be sure of American support.
But I think what he says in the next month will be highly suggestive of American foreign policy in 2005. I'll also be expecting some additional prime-time speeches by Bush throughout the year. Highly encouraging is Bush's statement that Sharansky's "The Case for Democracy" will be a model for the next four years of Bush foreign policy. That is one great book. If Bush follows the advice of the author, then he will truly become one of the greatest presidents in American history. Right now, I think he is comparable to Reagan, JFK, and FDR. If nothing else, Bush isn't president just to be president - he has a very ambitious agenda. I just hope his successor is of the same political mind. Unfortunately, in my mind, there are a lot of moderates looking forward to 2008 on the Republican side. Though you don't have to worry about McCain, except if he runs as a Democrat (and even then...). He'd never win the Republican primaries. I predict that a Republican will succeed Bush; but if he/she is a moderate, then I also predict that a Democrat will win in 2012. But that assumes that the Democratic Party doesn't go so far left that it walks off the edge of the cliff. Which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. But it ain't likely to happen; they aren't idiots.
But I digress...