Thought d'jour:
"We have met the enemy, and he is us"
Walt Kelly, Pogo

According to a report in Dagens Nyheter, Sweden's largest newspaper, American forces encouraged Bagdad citizens to begin looting. According to the interview with Khaled Bayomi, the forces felt there were not enough scenes of "jubilant" Iraqis. People were first coaxed into the street, then encouraged to loot the ministry building. Mr. Bayomi also claims the scene of the large statue of Saddam being pulled down was also staged for the benefit of American media, which was staying at a nearby hotel. I have seen one other sorce which makes the same claim.

Commander Tommy Franks has declared the war over, based on the belief that there is no longer any "organized" resistance. If only it were so easy. I will not be surprised to read of more suicide bombings throughout the region in the coming weeks. Especially if the administration handles the issue of an interim government with the same diplomatic finesse it displayed in the weeks preceding the conflict. Even now, still in his best spoiled little rich kid manner, Bush is insisting that the U.N. be involved on his terms alone.

I think the options are clear. Either a great deal of American money will be spent to restore Iraq, while our own economy slides deeper into recession. Based on the performance to date in Afganistan, this seems unlikely. The more likely alternative is that the attention will be focused on the next member of the "Axis of Evil" who is considered to be easy prey. My personal bet is on Syria, since North Korea undoubtedly really does have WMD.