If you want to know what conservatives are thinking in the administration, it's always a good idea to check out The Washington Times. Yesterday was no exception: in a provocative article designed to boost the hopes of those seeking a change of direction in Iraq (and, perhaps, GOP chances at the polls), the paper reported about James Baker's "Plan B" study group:
Leaks from a U.S. task force headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III are contributing to the widespread sense that the Bush administration is preparing for a "course correction" in the coming months.The options cited most frequently in Washington include the partition of Iraq into three ethnic- or faith-based regions, and a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops, with some remaining in neighboring countries to deal with major threats. [Note to Huffington readers: When Democrats propose these ideas, they're called "cut and run."]
Another scenario is being discussed -- and taken seriously in Iraq -- by many of Iraq's leading political players, under which the U.S.-trained army would overthrow struggling Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and replace him with a strongman who would restore order while Washington looks the other way (emphasis added).
Who could such a strongman be? Saddam's tied up in a trial for his life, but it seems his ability to hold down ethnic violence while in power is looking like an appealing role model for a future leader of Iraq. It's not quite bringing democracy to the Iraqi people, but maybe he'll get the trains -- or the electricity -- to run on time.
