"Despite the high levels of violence and the fact that we cannot yet say that the back of the insurgency has been broken, I believe that ultimately history will look kindly upon the U.S. democratization project in the region." In fact, based on this, I so nominate Makiya to be part of the Iraq "experts" invited to the Oval Office to tell the president what a great job he has been doing. But look at his racist explanation of why things went wrong in Iraq. According to the architect-turned professor of Middle East studies (having traveled to Israel and showered praise on Zionist occupation), it is all the fault of the Iraqi people. You see: "The people of Iraq emerged into the light of day in a daze." But why can't we say the esteemed "expert" is also in "a daze" too. And hear him express his firm belief in foreign occupation of "his country" although in his book, Cruelty and Silence, he stated that the happiest day of his life was when he obtained his British citizenship. I expect him in his next book to say that the happiest day of his life was when he obtained his US citizenship. "Occupation is a sensible temporary solution to the problem of government for peoples who have been defeated." Imagine somebody advocating that "his people" be occupied. (thanks Nir)