America has won this battle. It was an overwhelming success, much more than I thoght possible initially. The success is, at least in part, owed to Sistani who did not intervene. (I am not about to argue whether it was a good thing.) Nor did Muqtada. Partially, their silience can be attributed to the evil which the Fallujah fighters represent. But, on the other hand, it is equally illusory to assume their silence is entirely based on conscience. Let's face it; Iraqis must be feeling as desperate as Democrats after the presidential election. If all the sacrifices on both sides for 18 months cannot force Americans to understand the true nature of the disaster, they would naturally wonder, what will? It's time for them to think pragmatically, and they know it. The Iraqi election is only 2 months away, why not just let it happen? Why don't we (Iraqis) let Americans have what they want and let them go home?
This is a huge gamble on their part, as the new Iraq will continue to be meddled by America for any sign of disobedience. But, what else is left for them? Vae Victis!
The victory in Fallujah and a successful Iraqi election will further galvalize America. It will cement the belief that America cannot go wrong in the end, and will erase any remains of Vietnam from its memory, I believe, whether you like it or not. Even a good part of old Europe will applaud the success in Iraq. Who wants to be left in the losing camp?
But the victory will only come at a terribe price, not only in terms of immeasurable human sacrifices, but, most fundamentally, in terms of compromising what America has been all about. America re-elected Bush ignoring the unbelievable debate performance, all lies about WMD and the overwhelming editorial endorsements for Kerry. And this blind conviction, overwhelming desire to win the war has a life of its own.
Just see how this naked desire for victory has stifled, suffocated the internal reason of most Americans. How they talk the party line just like the communist party members! I can't believe this transoformation of their minds is only transitory. By tranforming the country into a violent, angry, blind revolutionary society, America is inching further to whatever victory the majority wants in Iraq.
Yes, the 2004 election was a revoluation, and a revolution will always breed further revolution. I don't think even Bush understands where he is heading. It's a historic movement, guided by the momentum of its own, by the excitement and camaraderie of its own. (No wonder Powell is purged.) Can't you see the majority's excitement of just being "part of it"?
There is a historic precendent for all this. Up to the late 1920s, my counry (Japan) was a reasonably stable power. Unfortunately, it revolutionalized itself into a dogmatic militarist during the 1930s, and historians believe the catalyst for the revolution was the invation into China in 1931 and the creation of Manchuko. Like America, Japan defied the League of Nations, and formed a coalition of willing (the Axis). What will happen to America this time, I can only wonder.
David Brooks is right. This is the rage of a drowning man. What Brooks fails to see is he is also drowning.