Slouching Toward Bethlehem -- The Empire Staggers On (Dale Allen Pfeiffer)

  Dale Allen Pfeiffer -- www.mountainsentinel.com

  Dec. 12, 2006 -- It has become quite clear to everyone who has eyes that the invasion of Iraq is turning into a debacle. Even staunch Republican supporters of Bush and the war are beginning to realize that this invasion is criminal, and that the Bush administration is guilty of high crimes against the United States and the world. Yet, despite all the criticisms and condemnations, it seems that the United States and Great Britain will stay the course, even if it means the death of thousands more civilians and soldiers.

  On the surface, Bush is trying to save face. He simply will not admit he is wrong. And what sociopath ever will? He is also locked into an oedipal fight with his father. This obscene war must go on so that Dubya does not have to give in to his dad. 

  But what are the critics in the government and other powerful circles really saying? Are they saying that we should never have invaded Iraq in the first place and that we need to pull out entirely? No, they are simply saying that the White House strategy for fighting this war is failing. 

  At best, they are seeking a partial withdrawal of troops, and a change of tactics. The Baker report sees nothing fundamentally wrong with the war in Iraq. They simply want a change in tactics to resolve the bloody civil war which has already engulfed much of the country. 

  This is the frame currently being debated. No one in authority is questioning whether we should have invaded Iraq in the first place. They are simply discussing how best to subdue the country so that our conquest can succeed. 

  Bush is protecting his ego, and avoiding the discipline his father is trying to administer to him. But that is not the main reason why he wants to stay the course. And the Baker report does not advise to end the invasion for fear that the country will descend into chaos. The country is already in chaos. 

  Though they are really not interested in ending the invasion, I do have to hand it to the Baker commission for at least being honest about the reason for the invasion. Bush won't say it, and Congress won't say it, but the Baker report is very clear that the Iraq invasion is all about empire and oil. 

Continued at mountainsentinel.com