TRANSCRIPT: Pentagon's New Map author Thomas P.M. Barnett on the surge strategy in Iraq POST: Iran In Iraq: Clarity And Confrontation Or Appeasement?

Hugh misrepresents my argument in this sense: I don't say more bloodletting is required for a regional dialogue to begin, but that Bush's refusal to deal with Iran leaves us with that inevitability--either fast or slow. Thus the "distant quarrel" charge is misapplied. I think Bush's approach of trying to settle Iraq while simultaneously ramping up for strikes in Iran is strategically stupid and morally bankrupt. There are no "separate lanes" in the PG, any more than there are in our relationship with China. If Bush would stop taking on all comers all the time, we could have--and could still--prevent unnecessary death in Iraq. But Bush refuses to make the tough decisions, and so history will blame him for this failure--unless this administration somehow wakes up in time. I am not optimistic. Bush is the ultimate hedgehog who admits no mistakes.