Higher Standard for Iraq Than American Lapcats

Nobody likes to be used.

Especially to the tune of 4,000 lives and trillions of dollars.

But is it fair to treat Iraq as if that's what's going on?

Demoralized, divided, and disenfranchised as they have been in the aftermath of Saddam's rein, should Iraqis just get over it, and work it out?

I'd say that's a far more rigorous standard than that to which we hold Americans.

We can't even be expected to avoid buying things we can't afford. We can't be expected to study and behave at our govnt schools. We can't be expected to avoid unwanted pregnancy or addictive drugs.

But Iraqis are expected to forget 24 years of complete demoralization and brutalization under Saddam Hussein's regime. They're expected to overcome their fears and distrust and just work together for a better tomorrow.

I think this an interesting concept. Previously, the anti-war left stipulated the Iraqi loss of life as an excuse for withdrawal of US troops. Now that violence is decreased, that stability is a viable dream, America wants to send them a bill, or abandon them to the chaos that will ensue.

Is it any wonder that Iraqi leaders have difficulty cooperating? How can they be fully invested in a united Iraq when at any time America may abandon them to the mercy of their opponents?

Have you ever been in a committee meeting where every body agreed with you until it was time to pitch your ideas/grievances to administration? I have. People immediately fall into their own self interest when the safety net is withdrawn.

Why would any one hold war-torn Iraq to a higher standard than privileged American lap cats? Because Iraqis can't vote for our next president.