Iraq salon.
You enter the dimly lit living room, with old panel walls and tasteful, subdued furniture, taking your seat. Inquisitively, you look around and soak up the conversation.
Christopher Hitchens has returned from his journey to Iraq. He says he discovered that the people there are thankful for the help, despite the reports of our “free” media that they aren’t getting any. (*)
James E. Seaton III, a Marine, leans forward and relates a tragic human story of the ongoing conflict. (†)
After a period of reflection, Austin Bay lowly, yet confidently says we are winning the war on terrorism in Iraq, thanks to our troops’ ability to attract and kill the Enemy. (‡)
Thomas Friedman, however, says he senses danger and strife on the horizon. He says he’s particularly worried about the possibility of escalating internal Iraqi conflict and strife, as exemplified by the devastating Najaf bombing. Could an ethnic imbroglio be about to begin? (§) The UN should be given a central role, he says, and bring back the Iraqi army. Just put it under UN control.
No, no, replies a chapped Mark Steyn, arguing that the UN could only make matters worse. (**) Fashionably-coiffed bureaucrats are not his favorite people.
John McCain has been waiting his turn. He agrees that the UN would not help the situation. (††) After all, the UN generally sided with Saddam against the Iraqi people. What is needed is more Iraqi forces, police and military. We need that or something fast, or the negatives could become “irreversible.”
Ahmad Chalabi agrees with the general tenor. (‡‡) A restoration of Iraqi sovereignty is in order.
Then somebody you don’t recognize raises a factual point. For all this talk of a security force composed of Iraqis, how come the Iraqi Governing Council hasn’t even agreed on a cabinet? This cabinet is a requirement for the formation of an Iraqi police force, he says, waving a copy of the New York Times. (§§)
With Steyn muttering something about pettifogging bureaucrats, a woman across the room starts waving a copy of the Washington Post, saying the Iraqi Governing Council is calling loud and clear for a police force right now. (***)
Welll, it’s a mess right now, another guest says. But it’s also 110° Fahrenheit in Baghdad every day. (†††) Give it a month or two, the weather will cool down, tensions should cool, and things will look better.