This Wobbly Stuff
Pejman Yousefzahda runs through all the reasons why taking on Saddam is a "no brainer." It's a good summary. Some have hailed the column as a response to those who worry that a "wobbly" Bush administration won't back up the tough talk with tough effective action (VodkaPundit took it that way, and so did Glenn Reynolds-- "forget this wobbly stuff: we're getting ready for war with Iraq.") They may well be right about this. But those who are concerned about "wobbling" generally agree with this reasoning: the fear is that the Bush people don't have enough of their act together to follow through effectively and to take decisive action before it's too late. Is all the administration's dithering and apparent confusion merely "disinformation to keep the Iraqis off guard?" Maybe, but it seems a bit dubious. If so, we've been brilliantly lulling Saddam into a false sense of security for the last ten years. The argument for action is, as Pejman demonstrates, as compelling as it has ever been. But compelling arguments are often ignored; decisions to act upon them are often avoided, or put off till another day, or undercut and weakened by faint-heartedness, particularly when they involve major risks. If Bush fails to deliver on the tough talk, he won't be the first. There is a lot of glib talk about "taking out Saddam," but it's not a trivial matter. There are serious risks involved (though it's hard to avoid the conclusion that the risks of failing to act are greater.)
"American power and purpose," writes Pejman, "are uniquely poised to effect a positive global change of momentous proportions. The time to bring that change about is now." It's too late for "now." How about "soon?" Or ever?
Posted by Dr. Frank at June 6, 2002 12:30 AM | TrackBack