'Neocons' get boost in defeat of Saddam

Washington Times ^ | 4/27/03 | Ralph Z. Hallow

[kattracks]

The swift military defeat of the Iraqi regime by U.S.-led forces represents a dramatic foreign policy victory for the evolving worldview called "neoconservatism."

"Neoconservative ideas have penetrated very deeply and have tremendous influence," said Michael Joyce, who from the late 1970s until his retirement last year was the most powerful financial backer of the movement.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

"The war in Iraq is simply one battle in the longer campaign," Mr. Krauthammer said in an interview. "The president deeply understands the nature of the conflict. He deeply understood the challenge and created, with his national security team, a whole new conception of how America should defend itself."

I agree with Mr. Krauthammer.

But I think the NY Times is concerned about our strength:

American Power Moves Beyond the Mere Super

[longtermmemmory]

was rush right that neocons was "code" for jewish conservatives?

[Russell Scott]

If the State Department can force the UN to move out of NY, and cut off all our financial ties to it, it will be the diplomatic equivalent of the Iraq victory. Otherwise, the State Department should be abolished, and divided between Homeland Security and the Pentagon.

[vbmoneyspender]

Their influence over the Republican Party only has increased. Proponents or allies of neoconservatism reach the highest echelons of the current administration — President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.

I'm confused. Are Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush now considered to be 'neoconservatives'. If so, then 95% of conservatives must be 'neoconservatives'.

[edwin hubble]

"I'm confused. Are Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush now considered to be 'neoconservatives'. If so, then 95% of conservatives must be 'neoconservatives'. "

By the strict definition 'neoconservatives' are former liberals, new to the conservative movement.

[vbmoneyspender]

under that definition does Ronald Reagan qualify as a neoconservative? After all, he used to be a Democrat and he did vote for FDR.

[edwin hubble]

"under that definition does Ronald Reagan qualify as a neoconservative? After all, he used to be a Democrat and he did vote for FDR. "

Technically, yes. And for the very same reason... Democrats of the JFK and Scoop Jackson school (national security and national defense) were gone from elected office. McGovern and Carter were the last straw, but by then Reagan had already made his move.