Some interesting comments from the folks over at Stratfor:
"From a geopolitical point of view, the importance of these hearings is simple. The United States has entered a period in which public discourse will be framed in terms of the past more than the future. The battle for the past is critical. If a public perception emerges that holds that Bush was derelict on al Qaeda and obsessed with Iraq, then his ability to conduct the ongoing conflict will be increasingly constrained. The United States is moving deeper into Pakistan in pursuit of al Qaeda. If the perception of Bush is that he has mismanaged the past, he will have little ability to manage the future. Even before he is defeated for the presidency, his ability to undertake initiatives will evaporate. Therefore, what is going on is not only an attempt to save -- and sink -- his presidency. His ability to carry out a foreign policy is also at stake."
Now, this is interesting on a couple of levels.
First, there is no question that we are moving into Pakistan, and right quick, I might add. Why would General Abizaid visit Pakistan if that were not the case? What will result from this campaign? Press releases and escaped IMU leaders? I hope not. Everything I have read indicates that Musharraf is unable or unwilling to let us finish the job. He’s stuck in the middle, trying to play off of both sides. The candle is getting real short. (Mixed metaphor I know, so sue me.) The next bullet might get him. Which leads me to my next point:
If the partisanship in Washington gets really out of hand the results might be far worse. The Bush Administration may be incapable of finishing the job. Worse still would be a Kerry Administration that inherits a chaotic Pakistan and a resurgent India. Al Qaeda with nukes anyone?
Now, there are all sorts of problems in Iraq but I think we all agree that the real problem is Pakistan. That's where al Qaeda is. You know, those nice fellows with long beards and funny hats that destroyed the World Trade Center a couple of years ago?
Let’s all take a deep breath and remember what’s at stake here. The Bush Administration has clearly made some egregious errors. But the important part is that al Qaeda just might be on the ropes. It’s time for a KO.
Iraq is going to be a serious problem for us for a long time to come. And there will be plenty of blowback in the future. But there is one very deadly enemy out there we can take out. It’s time. We shouldn’t let this opportunity be wasted in an orgy of partisan rancor.
But, the stakes are high in Washington, astronomically so. I’m not holding my breath. But I will cross my fingers.
I have said for along time, a year, that Pakistan may be the main problem, but it could not be confronted until some consensus had arrived.We may be there.but it means tough decisions maybe lots of fighting,in the next weeks. The questions I have include, was this a central Bush concern (and maybe a Clinton one) or is it emerging?If the strategy was to go after Pakistan from the beginning( prior or coincident with 9/11), then the admin was dealing at a darker ad more strategic level than they have been credited with. the danger now s that Pakistan will become the reason for going into Iraq(we needed a base). You see he logic.
