The Common Ills: Iraq: Hope you loved those 2002 fashions

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Iraq: Hope you loved those 2002 fashions

From yesterday's speech to the American Legion, Zeke J. Miller (Time) quotes Barack stating, "Rooting out a cancer like [ISIS] won't be easy and it won't be quick."

The War Hawk as doctor?

I guess it is true. He was lying when he promised "if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor."

As Ruth notes this morning, it's feeling like fall 2002 all over again.

Reissa Su (IBT) reports:

Although Australia has expressed its intention to send troops to Iraq, strategic experts have agreed its military role will remain "limited." Australia's Opposition has yet to be briefed about the government's decision to do its part in Iraq.

Daniel Hurst and Helen Davidson (Guardian) repeat speculation (probably accurate speculation) that Barack's putting together his very own 'coalition of the willing' to attack Iraq and Syria.

And, oh look, there's Andrew Sparrow and Mark Tran (Guardian) insisting that Downing Street insists the rumors that the UK will be joining in on air strikes are just rumors.

Just like in 2002 when we were told Tony Blair had made no decision on war on Iraq.

All of 2002's bad trends are back again -- except prairie skirts. Apparently, that's where the line is drawn.

Not on war, never on war.

Charlie Cooper (Telegraph of London) is a rare voice of common sense:

As has all too dramatically become clear in the last few months, Isil thrives in political turmoil. If this event is a harbinger for more attacks against Iraq’s Sunni population, then there is a real chance that Isil will get what they wished for – a war that will render the much-needed reconciliation between Sunnis and Shi’ites a distant hope. Already, retaliation has come in the form of a bomb attack against Baghdad’s Imam Ali Mosque on Monday, and another at a busy crossroads on Tuesday.
After months of impatiently waiting for al-Maliki to relinquish the reins of power in Baghdad, Iraq’s fate as a contiguous state hangs in the balance. Certainly, this month’s restructuring of the government is encouraging news, but it is by no means a guaranteed safeguard from ethno-religious war. More reform is required from Baghdad, and fast. Indeed, the only thing that will bring a halt to this evermore pervasive violence is profound and far-reaching political restructuring, not military intervention. It is short-sighted to imagine otherwise.
was a lie?

If the 2002 redux holds, look for there to be less Coopers and more people demanding violent response and a whole chorus of useless press hounds insisting "Case closed!" after the administration sends someone to make the case for war to the UN.

The following community sites -- plus Black Agenda Report and Ms. magazine's blog -- updated: