Posted 1:58 PM by Floyd

Why is it taking us so long to attack Iraq? Well, look at it this way: What is the optimal length of the War on Terrorism from the perspective of the people running it? For George Bush and his administration, it would be best if the War on Terrorism lasted six or seven years, until 2007 or 2008. This gets Bush reelected while the outcome of the war is still in doubt; gets him lauded with encomiums as he retires for his successful pursuit of the war; and provides a springboard for the more ambitious officials to secure office for themselves.

You may think that I am being cynical. Perhaps, but from Bush's point of view who are the cynics? His father prosecuted a war swiftly and successfully, and a year and a half later the American populace decided that the president hadn't done much for them lately. Bush the Younger is a helpful fellow who doesn't repeat a mistake; he will be happy to accomodate the American electorate's short attention span.