Professor of Middle East History Juan Cole explains some of what is going on in Iraq, with an emphasis on Bush’s claims about Iran’s behavior there.
Juan R. I. Cole is Professor of Modern Middle East and South Asian History at the University of Michigan. He has written extensively about modern Islamic movements in Egypt, the Persian Gulf, and South Asia. His most recent book is Sacred Space and Holy War. His blog, Informed Comment, is a widely read source for Middle East news and commentary.
Do you think it’s war or just “Mad Man” theory?
Dammit Tim, that was an original thought of mine until you put up this link. Thanks a lot.
…The essence of these observations brings to mind George Orwell’s noted early essay on the Shooting of the Elephant. Worse threats cum War, is a test of wills, and both Bush and Ahmadinejad, surrounded with sycophants and lackeys, are know to have demonstrated a willingness to push limits in the past. This is to note: Can you imagine the like of the two during the Oct ‘62 Cuban Missile Crisis?…Let’s hope cooler heads intervene, and prevail
This reminded me of why I haven’t read his stuff since 2004, when he kept braying that it was essential Hermann Goering gets elected.
You were far too deferential when he announced his support for “phased withdrawal” (keep murdering gooks until the rapture happens) and a political solution. The only solution is for the crusades to end immediately. Since they destroyed the Iraqi state there’s nobody for them to negotiate with anyway, so it’s just a euphemism for staying forever.