Victory

Nate argues I'm too vague on what victory means in Iraq.

I'd argue that when the insurgency puts down it's guns and surrenders, that would qualify as victory.

What that means in practical terms is that the majority of insurgents or those tied to the insurgency get amnesty and become citizens of the new Iraq, in exchange for prison for those hardcore organizers and killers.

Does this mean some really bad people get to go free? It certainly does. But it also means that time gets even more on our side...a stable, free, Iraq will grow and prosper. An Iraq under Saddam or an Islamic Fundamentalist state will fester and breed anger, resentment, hatred, and terrorism.

To those in the anti-war crowd who are able to conceive of victory, I thank you, because at least a discussion can be had....I'd venture to bet you get a small jolt of pleasure and pride from events like the Iraqi elections, the killing of Zarqawi and the capture of Saddam. That little surge of happiness. I know what it feels like.

And to those who don't understand the idea of a enemy or winning vs. losing and prefer to talk in defeatist euphamisms, those who don't know what to feel when Saddam was captured or Zarqawi killed, well, you're looking more and more wrong every day. But then again, we already knew that.