So now that the reasoning for the preemtive strike against Iraq has changed from WMD (esp the ones ready to fire within what 30 mins) to Sadam and his loyal supporters being evil people, why are we shocked that "soft" targets are being hit?
Did we think the butcher of Bagdad would now spare his people? or the UN? Or is it that now that we have removed Sadam from power real terror groups are moving in?
Can anyone else hear Dr Rice saying nobody thought they would attack their own people? ( Same as her "Nobody thought they would use airliners.."comment)
Who wants to bet on how long it takes for stories to spread that the US did the bombing of the UN HQ to take the spot light of the WMD? What a great recruitment tool...

Very good questions.

Let's hope that American citizens feel the weight of the Iraqi responsibility.

The Bush Administration has unilaterally commited us to solving (and financing) this problem. Meanwhile, the rest of the world thinks we are the problem.

They're going to have to put more troops on the ground. The US is tapped out, although they can squeeze out some more via the Reserves.

1. It's not clear if Iraqi forces can be constituted within the next 6 months.

2. They could bring in Shiites, but that means cutting a deal with the imams in the south, plus accepting much bloodshed among the Sunnis. Ditto with the Kurds.

3. Cutting a deal with the Baathists seems out of the question, although some are probably considering that option at some level.

4. Other nations' troops? Those who made commitments already are getting cold feet, and nobody else is signing up.

5. Restructuring the military command is the inevitable, "easy answer." But even Gen. Petraeus [successful in the non-Kurd north] can't do miracles with too few troops.

I suspect "hunkering down" is where it will go for a while, but the drip, drip of the body bags and over-reactive massacres will erode Bush's poll standing. The "good outcome" is the Philippines of one hundred years ago, but that was terrible. The "bad outcome" is - well - you know what - but stalemates of all types are hard to sustain. Very sad!