With articles like these, it’s hard to remember that 7 years ago, CNN was referred to as the Clinton News Network:
[CNN Iraq Analyst General Don] Shepperd said Iraq’s neighbors would be drawn into the all-out civil war likely if U.S. forces left too quickly. Iran could move in to further strengthen its influence in southern Iraq; Turkey likely would move against the Kurds in the north; and Saudi Arabia would be inclined to take action to protect Sunnis in western Iraq, he said.
The oil sector could also get hit hard, with Iran potentially mining the Persian Gulf and attempting to close the Straits of Hormuz, putting a stranglehold on oil flow, Shepperd says.
“Oil prices would skyrocket,” he said — perhaps soaring from current prices of about $60 a barrel to more than $100 a barrel, with consequent rises at the gas pump.
The entire article touches on why, despite my distrust of the administration and the ill-will I feel over the deceptions, delusions, or misrepresentations in the build-up to war, I subscribe to the Powell “You break it; you bought it” Doctrine.
I can’t help but wonder why we haven’t heard a few folks in the media for professing newfound understanding for why Bush-41 opted not to depose Saddam in the Kuwait war.
Meanwhile, Tom Delay has taken a shot at the Iraqi parliament over their decision to take a two-month vacation at this time:
The notion that Iraqi’s lawmakers are seriously considering a two month long siesta during the most desperate hours in the young life of their nation’s fledgling democrary [sic] is simply incomprehensible to me. I don’t recall the Continental Congress taking break after Manhattan fell to the British, and I would advise a similar strategy to Iraq’s elected officials.
I agree that he’s got a point. However, I can’t help but suspect that a review of the Delay era of Congress might turn up a few occasions when Tom didn’t speak out about ill-timed or excessive Congressional recesses.