Sunday, November 19

One more to call it a day.

Minneapolis Star Tribune Sunday editorial:
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That direction is becoming clear, we think, even though the study group's report is weeks off. British Prime Minister Tony Blair telegraphed that direction earlier this week in which, independent of the United States, he invited Iran and Syria to be part of the situation. We think Blair is right. Getting traction in Iraq requires the United States to swallow hard and recognize that it has common interests with Iran, Syria and other nations in the region. The solution must be a regional one. Yes, the United States remains unalterably opposed to Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons, and it has the power to enforce that position. But that's a separate issue. It is both possible and necessary to deal with Iran on Iraq without caving on its nuclear programs. The same goes for Syria and its support for the anti-Israel group Hezbollah.

This is what realists bring to the table: an ability to recognize and accept where dealing with unsavory countries is necessary to advance U.S. interests. And, at this time, it is the paramount interest of the United States to fashion a plan for building the semblance of a stable Iraq that brings withdrawal of American forces sooner rather than later.

Many have wondered where the ascendant congressional Democrats will go on Iraq. It's a good bet they will stand with Baker and Hamilton. So should Bush. Cheney and his muddle-headed neocon acolytes have lied their way to disgrace on Iraq. If Bush now realigns with them, a battle royal will be joined that Bush must lose.