The year of unmitigated gloom

[bemildred]

Remember, it is always gloomiest just before the light goes out completely.

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It found that during 2007, the US suffered a loss of international authority as a result of the failure to impose order in Iraq. Leaders and groups around the world sought to take advantage or to protect themselves from the consequences of this loss of prestige.

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However, restoring US credibility will not be easy. The report found that "the damage to American standing and credibility likely to take years to repair - especially as problems such as Iraq's persistent violence and the Guantanamo Bay detention camp just be wished away".

For those old enough to remember, the report echoes the condition of the United States during the Vietnam War, when president Richard Nixon warned of the US becoming a "pitiful, helpless giant".

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In light of the recent congressional testimony by the US military commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker on how the "troop surge" is working, the survey made the point that much of the presumed success was due to circumstances that the US had nothing to do with.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/II25Ak01.html

[Double T]

1. bushco is doing everything possible to 'prop-up' the GIGANTIC MESS........

the 2 BIGGEST LOSERS that ever lived have created. Their 'economy for the filthy rich' and their feeble excuse and revenge for a 'war' have left the US in ruins. The problem can ONLY be dealt with when the two perpetrators are finally GONE!!!!

[bemildred]

2. What is interesting to me is that the ruling classes seem content.

They are standing by while the damage is being done.

[Demeter]

3. Why Not Be Content? They Got Theirs

Now the question really is: do they truly think they can hold onto it? If so, they are more ignorant than one could believe. Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.

Very few people came out of the Depression better off than they were going in. The rich were happy to be able to hold onto what they had...and their gains came from the deflation and then the war stimulus...

And the power shift threw them out of office for a generation at least.

[bemildred]

4. Yep, you rephrased that well.

Short-term and self-centered expediency rules the day. Not what you want from your government.

[Double T]

5. The 'I've Got Mine' syndrome allows the filthy rich ruling class.........

to sleep, within their gated communities, without losing a wink; NO conscience makes it easy.