Ghost of a flea

It's an interesting theory. One which would have the advantage of totally vindicating Bush, Rumsfeld, et al. (And it's manipulative as hell.)

Is it believable? Or is it wishful thinking? (I'm a cynic; I tend towards the latter.)

And here was me under the impression you are an "idealist"!

To clarify: I believe this is a fair representation of what has happened. Your question is whether this outcome is what President Bush and his administration intended to happen.

Although it's always better to be lucky than good, I think that you have to intend the good effects of your actions to qualify as "among the greatest in the history of civilization".

But maybe that's just me. :-)

You do not believe President Bush and his administration intended to bring democracy and civil society to Iraq and subsequently to the Muslim world? Or that should they be successful their greatness would be diminished because their first tactic did not succeed? Thank God you were not a member of Churchill's war cabinet.

I am more interested in results. Hence my use of the word "if".

As to intentions, well, we know where that road leads.