the war drags on ...

... and we don't even have a common understanding of what we hope to accomplish.

This fact, as much as anything, is the cause of a lot of the gridlock we are seeing in D.C., as well as the resulting social friction that it causes, (the blogsphere is a pretty good example).

Lots of folks hold varied opinions on the conflict in Iraq, (for some reason, I do not believe that as many really think much about Afghanistan), and these seem to be molding damn near every facet of our collective lives. I ask you, (yeah, either of you), why are we fighting in Iraq? I write this as I have just bid good luck to a couple of guys who are Baghdad bound, and as the Congress prepares for another epic match of wits with the White House over the funding of the conflict. The President is all but certain to veto the spending bill that puts certain restrictions on the conduct of the war as well as mandating the beginning of a troop withdrawal. The Congress will, in all likelihood, not override the veto, which promises more pain and suffering on the domestic front, as well as within the environs of the government as the administration scrambles to continue to pay for the conflict. Nothing will have been accomplished. One article I read puts forth the notion that the President should go along with the bill, to get the funding, and then ignore the proviso's regarding troop withdrawal. I don't agree with the writers position, but I have to say that this would be a bold statement of leadership, from an administration that, to date, hasn't been able to spell the word, let alone exercise it. The idea might work if the President had a bit more credibility with the Congress, the public and the world community, but as things stand, I think it would be seen as another sign of weakness and disconnect from reality.

The war will most likely end in early 2009, following the innauguration of the new President, (who could be from either party...). It may end with a sort-of "peace with honor", (retired Gen William Odom actually stated, for the record, that beginning to withdraw troops could mark the beginning of a more effective strategy in the region), or it may end with somebody recognizing the forest in all those trees. In any event, at that time Iraq will become what it wants to become. If it turns into a hotbed for Islamo-fascism, as many claim it will, or becomes a satellite ally of Iran, (likely), it will not be because the Democrats pulled out "before the job is done", but because the Iraqi people see that particular course as best for them. I am no expert, just a voter with an opinion and a blog, but I think it possible that the turn towards radical Islam (a western term) in the mideast is a lot like the turn in the west towards the right, (fundamentalism in our religious and political communities). It is a response to a percieved situation. Just as many in the US are ready to build walls and throw all the Mexicans out, it is possible that many in the mideast are ready to flex thier economic muscle and take what they see as thier rightful place on the world stage. In the near and middle term, it is about the same us vs. them issues that we are dealing with here, (albeit in a more localized context).


John McCain formally entered the presidential race this past week, and in his first speech as a candidate, he offered what I considered to be some non-criticisms pointed at the White House, noting that America should never undertake a military action without the clear backing of the American people, a clear notion of the threat to our own country, and a comprehensive plan to prosecute and win the war, things that have been missing in this particular conflict. I can't say that I back the senator right now, but it was nice to hear something besides the same old crap.

And while I am talking candidacies, Rudi Giulliani mentioned the 'T' word in a manner similar to Mr McCains references to war. Rudi was talking about taxes, and gave some vague but non-commital praise to the idea of a flat tax. I am pretty sure that I don't back that idea, (at least in the form floated by Steve Forbes a few years back...), but it was something different from the "let's cut our taxes" mania that seems to incite excitement inside the various political camps.

These two things may be non-events, just politicians sprouting bullshit, but they may amount to a sea change of sorts, even among the so-called Conservative camps, (note the capitalization...). Right now, the party on the left is doing not too much besides marvelling at how popular they are, as measured by fundraising accumen. They may have won an almost invisible, but significant victory with the emergence of something new from the other side. It's time for them to take stock of what they promised, what they have delivered, and what comes next.