Posted by
m0t0r1zed on Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:51:18 AM
It's strange how commentators often say that Iran is the big "winner" in the Middle East. To me, that is just very odd - like a gigantic blind spot that cannot see the obvious. The United States with its 150,000 troops planted in the heart of the Middle East, the nation that toppled two governments to the east and west of Iran, has somehow become a great, invisible elephant to some people.
The supreme hegemon in the Middle East is the United States. The future of the Middle East will be shaped by the US, and there is no country strong enough to oppose the US. The only power that could be a threat is religion, and the US tries very carefully to not come into conflict with it. Syria seems to have realized this reality. Iran, despite its bluster, is afraid of it. The only people that do not seem to see the handwriting on the wall is ... well, whatever.
Although critics of the Bush administration will be loathe to admit it, Bush won two major wars during his presidency - and two very difficult ones due to the guerilla tactics of the adversary. Mistakes were made, but the notion that wars should be simple, cheap, and easy is just stupid. I guess I am one of the few people that still would approve of Bush, if asked. I think he, as well as the rest of America, went through one of the most difficult and divisive periods in recent history. It is understandable that people are tired and worn out from the past eight years, but I do think that history will judge him favorably. (It's a bit annoying how that has become a talking point ... bleh. I was saying that years ago in discussions.)
Iraqis lead final purge of Al-Qaeda
Bush really did have to carry a huge burden. After 9-11, the weight of the entire world was truly on his shoulders. Imagine having to stand on the ruins of the World Trade Center, where thousands of Americans still lie dead and buried, knowing that the eyes of all Americans and the entire world is watching you - and only you - for guidance, strength, and leadership. Consider also the followup anthrax attacks against the US, and the spectre of nuclear terrorism that must have haunted Bush in his nightmares when he slept (he is, afterall, human).
Just think about it. What would you have done, if you had been in his shoes?