Teribus--

It's just too easy to destroy your arguments--hardly worth the effort. All I have to do is quote your own words back to you.

I'm so sorry you evidently did not understand what I told you earlier.

You were telling us, with your happy drivel, that it took 15 years for Bosnia to sort out its problems. This is supposed to convince us that therefore in about 15 years or so, Iraq's problems will be sorted out--so we should stay there.

It's so good of you to recognize reality for once--that it was not Bosnia but Yugoslovia which broke up. It's too bad that recognizing reality seems to be so hard for you--but, trust me, in the long run you'll feel better for it.

However, since it's not Bosnia but Yugoslavia which broke up, your model is not exactly helpful to your argument. Following the model you have so helpfully provided, in 15 years, not Iraq, but just a part of the wrecked state formerly called Iraq, will have sorted out its problems. Yet this is not what Mr. Bush is telling us. He is saying that Iraq will remain a unified state. Not according to your model, it won't.

Now, why would that be, o brilliant analyst?

But let me compliment you on your insight: I think you are absolutely correct--the perfect model for Iraq is Yugoslavia. Like Yugoslavia, Iraq will be shattered, and will remain a shattered state.

No matter what we do.

So you have destroyed your own argument for staying in Iraq.

Well done. Good job.