A Marine's View

Why is it that it's taken half a decade to progress in Iraq? This marine has one of the best answers:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/opinion/16fick.html

Note that this isn't "Bush lied, people died." Even the Iraqis thought they'd be gassed by their own leader. Saddam lied, we bought it.

Note also that the invasion of Iraq is noted for two things: the speed with which it happened and the lack of planning for what happened later. This account explains both of these, and it fits with other "on the ground" accounts I've read. The other accounts of driving to Baghdad all emphasize how everyone was pushing to go faster, faster, faster. When you push that much you don't plan for the "what if," even the "what if this works?" possibility. Combine this with Rumsfeld & co.'s inherent predisposition against planning the what if, and with their inability to imagine other American viewpoints, much less Iraqi ones ... and you get a long fight.

I do hope things can work out over there and that the families can be put together again, those that still can. Like everyone else, I am tired of this. But as far as "what went wrong in 2003," this is a pretty good example, and it doesn't require conspiracy theories. Just human nature.

Note to self: you can go too fast, even if things appear to be going according to plan. Slowing down is a good idea sometimes. Not the most unexpected conclusion, but still important.