Sane discussion of world affairs.

March 17, 2003 7:38 AM

Over the last few years, Tony Judt has been writing some brilliant commentary on the world political situation in the NYRB. His latest is one of the best pieces I’ve read for ages. Sanity, reason, non-shrillness, etc – and it’s only the first of three articles.
posted by Mocata (8 comments total)

Can you post the text? The page instantly kills off my browser.
posted by substrate at 8:37 AM on March 17, 2003

I thought it was a really well-measured piece. Now prepare for the backlash - which is more likely to question his motives than answer his comments.
posted by niceness at 8:41 AM on March 17, 2003

Good post, Mocata.

And you are quite correct about the refreshing lack of shrillness.
posted by dglynn at 8:59 AM on March 17, 2003

Excellent post.
posted by four panels at 9:03 AM on March 17, 2003

This Newsweek piece draws similar conclusions.
posted by dydecker at 9:23 AM on March 17, 2003

It's a good article but I wonder why the author a history teacher does not go into the history of why the USA is in Iraq. When Sadam was using WMD and invading its neighbors in the 1980s we were justified invading but the world didn't have the resolve to finish the problem so we crippled Iraqs economy and put in no-fly zones and stationed American troops to contain him because we didnt want a repeat of the Kuwait invasion (or worse). 12 years later the USA is no longer willing to continue containment. So now the world says we are invading Iraq because we are war mongers and have only self interests at heart. I counter that view and say our intent is to finish what was started 12 years ago so we can get out of Iraq. If anyone has any other suggestions on how to resolve this problem started 12 years ago fire away. Pulling out and leaving Iraq to its own devices seems to be the solution everyone is suggesting in which case why did we go in the first place. As for those who believe this can be resolved without force, remember that Sadam is not a politician he is a essentially a Mafi boss that understands and respects only force.
posted by stbalbach at 10:07 AM on March 17, 2003

Fantastic article. I await the other two with interest.
posted by salmacis at 2:28 PM on March 17, 2003

Thanks for the post, Mocata.
posted by troutfishing at 6:27 AM on March 18, 2003