Thomas Friedman explains his real position on the US war in Iraq in an interview with Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat:
Question: Let me being with you with your position supporting the Iraq war. How did that influence readers of your column, and consequently the readers of your newspaper, The New York Times, which is a liberal newspaper, and its stance was opposed to war?
[Friedman]: First we have to speak precisely about my columns. Let me ask you...Did you read my articles before the beginning of the war? We have to not see things in black and white, i.e., not for or against war only...I think that my columns prior to the war were extremely complex, as they revealed a person suffering from deep internal struggle....
Question:...but there are criticisms that you were not good at analysis. For example, since the beginning of the war and you have been using the expression "the next six months will be critical; things will either improve or deteriorate."
[Friedman]: Please tell me what I was supposed to write! Did I have to write after the first six months that the operation was totally failing?...
Question:...You certainly know that many in the Arab world can't stand your opinions, so how do you deal with that?
[Friedman]: I know that, but on the other hand, I want you to come with me once to the Arab world to see the reactions that I receive. As you know, many know how I look..."