Second Stage - I was

Second Stage - I was talking with a friend of mine earlier tonight. He wondered; "Why isn't the administration spinning Iraq as Stage Two in the War on Terrorism? I'd make more sense, and probably be more salable that way..."

And lo and behold, I flip over to Fraters Libertas (which is on a bit of a roll lately) - and Elder is asking the same thing.

Afghanistan was the beginning. Iraq is another stage. All the while we're also going after Al Qaeda wherever and whenever we can. But after the situation in Iraq is resolved the war will not be over. Next on the agenda could be a push for regime change in Iran by supporting dissident groups there or it could be a move against Syria to get them to stop supporting Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups that regularly attack Israel. North Korea will likewise be dealt with either through diplomatic and economic efforts to contain them or if necessary with the use of military force. Libya? Saudi Arabia? Possibilities as well. There won't be a "one size fits all" approach and each situation will be analyzed and handled differently. One hopes that once the ball gets rolling and a few more examples are made the process will move be hastened along and open conflict limited as much as possible.

In any case, Iraq will situate us to lean on ALL the big terrorist regimes. It'll take pressure off Israel - Iran and Syria will be justifiably nervous.

It all just makes sense - militarily.

There's just the matter of selling all the people who don't know or give a damn about the military side of things.

Posted by Mitch at February 15, 2003 07:36 PM