Endless Entanglements
Intervention begets intervention. No intervention is ever complete; new countries must be constantly conquered or transformed to finish the job. Having intervened, one must continue to intervene to achieve one’s original objectives. There are always unintended consequences to overcome. Running an empire, acting as the global policeman, and spreading liberty, truth, justice, and happiness around the world are not tasks for the faint-hearted – or republic-minded.
The Mideast is the prime example. The U.S. invaded Iraq for all sorts of reasons, none of which hold up under scrutiny. But never mind. We now are there and must finish the job. We can’t cut and run. American credibility would be hurt, Iraq would degenerate into chaos – well, worse chaos. Terrorists – well, more terrorists – might set up operation. And the last great democratic hope for the region, and perhaps mankind, would disappear. (more…)