... Why That's Ridiculous

(2 of 2)
Transforming that political culture begins with the liberation of Iraq. Not just replacing a murderous thug regime with a popularly elected, pluralistic government but also creating a catalyst for similar transformations elsewhere. We have already seen such an effect in Lebanon--a democratic uprising that even Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, no friend of the U.S., admitted was a domino effect from Iraq. Similarly, Iraq's transformation has helped advance women's suffrage in Kuwait, competitive elections in Egypt and even democratic stirrings in so inhospitable a place as Syria.

On 9/11, the U.S. was rudely injected into a Muslim civil war--the jihadists are intent on conquering the entire region and re-establishing an ancient caliphate--except that only the jihadist side was really fighting. By taking the fight to the Arab/ Islamic heartland, the U.S. has forced Muslims to commit. The most remarkable effect of the wars to liberate Afghanistan and Iraq is that, whereas on 9/11 we stood alone against the terrorists, today there are two large and energized Muslim populations--with legitimate governments building armed forces--engaged in the same struggle against jihadism as we are.

It is those allies who are critical in ultimately winning the war on terrorism. The terrorists may have recruited their new Atta, now splattered on the walls of the Baghdad mosque he has suicide-bombed. We have recruited tens of millions of Afghan and Iraqi Muslims--with Lebanese and others to follow--opposing that Atta as they attempt to build decent, moderate, tolerant societies.

I'll take our recruits.