These nanosecond time horizons for monumental historical undertakings are childish. The Weekly Standard elsewhere offers a relevant historical parallel. The American occupation of Germany that began in 1945 was hardly a cakewalk. Crime was a constant concern, particularly because the Nazi police had to be carefully vetted. De-Nazification was controversial on the ground and back home. A shortage of troops (many were sent to the Japanese theater as soon as Germany surrendered) hampered efforts to restore order, feed the starving and begin the rebuilding of the country. And in no way did the Germans love their American conquerors, at least not until 1948, when the same planes that had rained death from the skies rescued a blockaded Berlin.
The American media seem so focused on pointing out American mistakes that they lose sight of the larger objective. President Bush cannot turn a phrase the way Tony Blair does, but his strategic thinking is first-rate. He believes that we are in Iraq (and pulling out of Saudi Arabia, and placing American troops in friendlier Gulf states, and supporting Israel staunchly) to begin remaking the Middle East, the region that incubates the most virulent anti-Americanism. This is not going to be easy. The Baathists of Iraq are not fully defeated, which is why our men are being picked off daily.
It is difficult to imagine any part of the world more in need of American power right now than the Middle East. Do we still need thousands of soldiers in Europe, standing ready to repulse a Soviet invasion through the Fulda Gap? Couldn't we use some of those men to relieve the fantastic young people of the Third infantry Division who have earned some time off?
Rebuilding Iraq can be done -- but not without time, trouble and pain. Welcome to the real world.