"Unintended Consequences" by Peter Galbraith

As his previous book, "The End of Iraq", this book is great (if you agree that the Iraq War was a colossal failure. He voices the perception that incompetency reigned in the Bush Administration, accounting for tragic errors, resulting in a series of virtually hopeless scenarios. To think that Iran is a victor because of our intervention is itself horrendous. To consider that the surge never achieved any form of political reconciliation is most troubling. As in the past, the author is convinced that the "best" scenario would be a weak federation of strong ethnic groups (Kurds in north, Sunnis in the middle, and Shiites in the south).

I would be most pleased if some form of stability could be achieved, but I don't see it happening. The Shiite Prime Minister is stronger than ever and he has not demonstrated any ability to achieve reconciliation. No one has dealt successfully the Kurds or Kirkuk where the oil lays.

At the same time, I still can't see how we can leave Iraq without a greater tragedy occurring. I am so angry at Bush! and so fearful for the future of the Mideast.