An Open Letter to America, and whoever else cares.

I didn't agree with the war. But it would be ethically dubious to leave now. Insurgency is dangerous because the only surefire way to beat 'em is to not let one start in the first place. But we dropped the ball, and let the Saudi's get their hands in it, and now the Iraqis are stuck in the middle with the choice between a military occupation, or a soon-to-be failed state. The best thing we can do is make nice with Iran, stop trusting the Arabs just because of their petrobucks, and start a vigorous region wide PR and propaganda blitz. Spend more money on NGOs in the area that build infrastructure and provide secular education. It would take years but eventually the insurgency's recruitment base would erode. Of course none of this will happen. Obama, although I like his domestic policies, is throwing away principle to cater to the war-weary public. Popular decisions are not always wise and good. And wise and good decisions are generally not popular.

What this country needs is a dictator,in the Roman sense. I nominate Myself.

Respectfully,
His Ferocity, Thomas Shay, Dictator of
The Republic, and Commander of Her Armies