October 6, 2003 issue
Copyright © 2003 The American Conservative
by Pat Buchanan
Exasperated, Rush Limbaugh spelled out for his caller America’s goal in Iraq. “It’s a seven-letter word,” roared Rush. It “begins with ‘v’ and ends in ‘y.’”
“Define victory,” the caller retorted. Rush went to a break.
Excellent question. How do we know when we’ve won the war in Iraq? How do we define victory?
We know who we are fighting against —Ba’athists, jihadists, unreconstructed Saddam-loyalists, America-haters. But what are we fighting for?
“Freedom,” comes the retort, “democracy.” But Iraq is already free of Saddam. And what do we mean by democracy? If it means one-man, one-vote majority rule, Iraq will be governed by a Shi’ite majority that looks to Iran for inspiration and guidance.
Is that worth $87 billion and a daily toll of American dead? ....
http://amconmag.com/10_06_03/buchanan.html Excellent piece by Mr. Conservative himself -- Bush sure has turned the world upside down when I find myself agreeing with Pat Buchanan.