Friday, August 13, 2004

The Empire strikes back

Or at least the cheerleaders of empire.

The Iraq War was the test case for the "neoconservative" notion that the US should spread freedom, democracy and love for America in the Middle East through a series of wars of liberation.

The war has made it back onto the front pages this week, with active guerrilla attacks in the Shiite areas of southern Iraq and the surrounding of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf.

But unpleasant realities didn't stop the neoconservatives from cheering for war with Iraq.  And the realities of their theory tested in practice in Iraq aren't deterring them from pushing for more wars.  Have you noticed all the rumblings in the press lately about how Iran has some terrifying "weapons of mass destruction" programs?

A couple of the leading lights of this school of thought are grumbling about Kerry's notions that would spoil their Grand Design.  One is Robert Kagan, best known for his theory that Americans are from Mars (Real Men) and Europeans are from Venus (wusses):

The Kerry Doctrine by Robert Kagan 08/01/01 Carnegie Endowment for International Piece (reprinted from the Washington Post)

These two are from Gary Schmitt, director of the Project for a New American Century (PNAC).  Yes, Virginia, PNAC really exists.  They even have their own Web site.

Kerry: "Get our troops home" by Gary Schmitt 08/10/04
"Get our troops home" - Part II: Is Kerry undermining the effort in Iraq right now? by Gary Schmitt 08/11/04

Yes, more invaluable foreign policy insights from the wonderful people who brought us the Iraq War.

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