[gridlock]

We differ on the ultimate end-point.

I would not advocate eradication of the culture. Those days are gone. Not really practical, anyway, to kill that many people.

Our best hope is to develop self-governing liberal democracies in the region. I agree that the "raw material" is poor, and the people are ill-equipped to deal with modern self-rule. The process will be long. But do we have any choice, really?

As for pussy-footing with the UN, I chalk that up to playing the games that let us do what we need to do. Due to an accident of history, we have the authority we need to invade and conquer Iraq. As far as I can see, that is the only reason we are there rather than, say, Syria.

But when the time comes, I'm pretty sure somebody will volunteer to be next.

[Cacophonous]

Due to an accident of history, we have the authority we need to invade and conquer Iraq. As far as I can see, that is the only reason we are there rather than, say, Syria.

One other reason: Israel.