World War III?
As most of you can easily tell from my articles, I've long held the position that the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were both bad ideas in principle. (That is, not just bad ideas from a strategic or tactical perspective, but bad ideas because war is really never a good idea.) From the very moment a second plane crashed into the World Trade Center it was apparent to me, as it was to many others, that the US needed to take a radically different approach to foreign policy and I was disappointed when it didn't. Now the entire world is embroiled in a conflict that has no end in sight, with some countries even re-igniting their nuclear ambitions. The only surprising thing about any of it, in my opinion, is that anyone should be surprised.
While I'm certain I'm not the only person who holds these opinions, my observation is that I am in a minority. So naturally I'm intensely curious about two things: 1) who out there DOES think and feel as I do, and 2) who out there doesn't. Not necessarily in that order.
I realize these issues are extremely sensitive, but I believe that human beings are capable of reasoned debate even in the most heated circumstances (and perhaps especially then). I would really like to know, from my critics, what details of the situation I am missing that leads me to draw wrong conclusions (if you believe my conclusions are wrong). I promise you I will not simply cave into whatever claims you make, but for all the same reasons I can promise you that if you present an enduring and compelling argument I'll be open to changing my mind. After all, the only way to ensure that you will always be right is to always be ready to admit when you're wrong.
So please... let me hear from challengers and supporters... has the US had a hand in unnecessarily sparking World War III, or is the War on Terror a fight someone else started that we're simply forced to finish?
Re: My uneducated thoughts...
Don't sell your thoughts short, my friend. The entire planet is entering new territory and your guess is just as good as anyone else's. Actually, I think you make a good point.
The response I think we should have chosen can be found here.
this is Shelley (or Shell)
this is Shelley (or Shell) That was me above as anonymous, I forgot to login.
I read your suggestion on the link. I think there is alot more to it than then a rash hypocritical rush to war. It has probably been in the making for a decade or more just waiting for something to "sell" the American public on. My limited understanding is that stablizing Iraq is more for the effect of buffering the other middle eastern countries. More for economic and balance of power reasons.
Our government is more or less reflection the general ideology of its people. So instead of asking GWB to do all those things you suggest, ask the American people to do them. And do them yourself (which my guess is, you already do)
First the American need to realize what we have to apologize for. Not for the war, but for our overconsumption and the need to stay on top of world power. While we're on top we have a pretty good standard of living. Yes, no one likes war but are the Americans willing to drive less, make less money, have less so our imperilism doesn't rear its ugly head in war?
shelley
Don't say "Whoa" in a bog hole
re: this is Shelley
I couldn't agree more, Shell.
Check out my comments here and here. I think you'll see we are, indeed, on the same page.
same pages
wow. Really good reads. I like your style. Not just your writing style but your "way".
Its interesting how one could apply those ideas on the macro level and on the personal level.
Seems like we are on the same page.....at least some pages.
shelley
Don't say "Whoa" in a bog hole
Re: same pages
Some pages is good pages. 
At the rate we're going...
I don't have any argument with you, and I don't think we're exactly finishing anything. How could war possibly solve any problems? Much less finish anything.. short-term anyway.
Love this site, by the way.
kat
Re: At the rate we're going...
My uneducated thoughts
Unlikely to be WWIII due to the global economy that is developing. Pure capitalistic greed will prevent wwIII. Pick you poison.
What would have been your answer to radically change our approach to foreign affairs while under attack?