Reply #11: Iraq is indeed a great launching point...

[pale reflection]

Either from the tactical or strategic points of view.

Hear me out.

Strategically, invading Iraq cut off Syria and Iran from the rest of the world. With the US controlling Iraq, both countries are now surrounded by states that either are moderately unfriendly terms with them, or downright hostile. Classic divide and conquer tactics, right?

With pitiful border security, hotheads from Syria and Iran start pouring into Iraq to kill infidels, boosting Administration claims that these countries are part of the axis of evil and therefore need to be attacked, and soon. Bush created a self-fulfilling prophesy. From there, its just getting out the spin.

Tactically, with Kuwait a jumping off point an Iraq's military beaten up pretty good in the Gulf War, winning the war was an absolute lock. It was also certain to stir up a hornet's nest, which was something I think was part of the plan all along. Iraq is nothing more than a kill zone, an excuse to kill insurgents and go after other countries in the region.

I wish he'd planned "the peace" this well...