MINION

The Iraq Study Group released its final report today. There were few surprises. The aging minion made a brief presentation, then answered questions from reporters. TV and radio talk show hosts spoke of little else all day.

Tell you the truth, I wasn’t a very good student, but as I recall, of the few study groups I actually attended, most of them were held before the test. That seemed to be the whole idea. The 800 pound gorilla in today’s press conference was the unasked question: Where the hell was this group before the war. Aren’t you supposed to ask these strategic and philosophical what-ifs before you commit men to battle, before you condem families to a lifetime of mourning? Where was the apology for their late arrival, either from them or from the president?

The executive summary of the report states in part: “Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly.” In other words, it’s time to sit down at the table, get our boys off the battlefield, and get ‘em home.

It also says, “If (these recommendations) are effectively implemented, and if the Iraqi government moves forward with national reconciliation, Iraqis will have an opportunity for a better future, terrorism will be dealt a blow, stability will be enhanced in an important part of the world, and America’s credibility, interests, and values will be protected.” I’d say that’s a might big “if”. This next “if” looks more realistic: “If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences could be severe. A slide toward chaos could trigger the collapse of Iraq’s government and a humanitarian catastrophe. Neighboring countries could intervene. Sunni-Shia clashes could spread. Al Qaeda could win a propaganda victory and expand its base of operations. The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarized.”

This is a pivotal moment in American history. I’m sure there is a joke to be made, but I don’t see it. Stay connected, stay on top of this story. Help your country move in the right direction. Your voice counts.

A foot on either side.

B. Louis Braverman