Originally Posted by Ray

This article is multi-angled in thought though it is doubtful if Bush is an Accidental Realist! Sometimes I wonder if he as simple, naive and cavalier as the media want to portray him!

The strategic aspect of Iraq in the Middle East policy has been amply brought out.

As I have said before, Iraq is not about Freedom or Democracy, it is all about US geostrategic plans.

The invasion of Iraq is not merely about the breaking the OPEC stranglehold, or encouraging a Shia ascendency to balance the one sided Sunni supremacy and blackmail, or about Oil. Possibly, it is about everything mentioned.

It also is a base for quick reaction in the Middle East itself and also towards the Indian subcontinent. Yes, the Indian subcontinent! The Indian Defence Secretary' statement that China is preparing for regional wars was not a mere straw in the wind! And India is a bulwark in the US scheme of things to contain China!

Iraq also opens up the Persian Gulf and thus into the Indian Ocean. The US presence in this area is marginal since there is no home base! Iraq provides that. The Sheikdoms, along the Persian Gulf, maybe pro US, but they will be chary about allowing a permanent US presence. Iraq, on the boil, is open hunting season as also, even if there comes about some peace, there is amply grounds to engineer a rationale for prolonged US presence!

Democracy and Arabs are as near bred as chalk and cheese!