LH:

I think there are important differences between British Imperialism and American imperialism.

Their empire was autocratic and political, and economically oppressive for the benefit of the conquerors.

Ours -- we assert -- is commercial and ideational. We are not much into conquering nations. Our moves against Afghans are going to be selective, focused on the sub-class of those participating in the military attack against us. Mind you there are good arguments that we are reorganizing Afghanistan in the long-term interests of big oil. But I am not sure I buy that.

A