McCain’s Flip Flop

McCain\’s Flip Flop

Via
Cliff Schecter.

If you get involved in a major ground war in the Saudi desert, I think support will erode significantly. Nor should it be supported. We cannot even contemplate, in my view, trading American blood for Iraqi blood. [New York Times Aug 19, 1990] – Senator John McCain

Oops.

Or maybe it\’s simply, how different it is when you\’re running for king?

But McCain has a lot of company, starting with Dick Cheney, who agreed with McCain back then, but went on to become the biggest Iraq hawk of all.

More from my friend Cliff.

Ok, so let\’s break this down. During a war that was far from perfect, but where we had allies from around the world sending troops (including Syria and Egypt), was largely bankrolled by Japan and Saudi Arabia, was an actual response to Iraqi aggression and saw an American leader not stupid enough to go into Baghdad, Sir McCain thought that American casualties in Iraq were not acceptable, support at home among members of Congress and the people would erode and it would actually matter and perhaps most importantly, US ground troops should simply not be a part of the equation.

There\’s also the problem that the Saudis, though backing Bush\’s escalation,
are very worried and ready to get involved in Iraq, because they just don\’t
trust Maliki. Join the club.

Saudi Arabia endorsed the goals of President Bush’s new strategy for Iraq today. But in carefully worded comments, the Saudi foreign minister indicated deep concern about whether the Shiite-led government in Baghdad can halt sectarian violence and protect Sunni interests. “We agree fully with the goals set by the new strategy, which in our view are the goals that — if implemented — would solve the problems that face Iraq,” said Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister. Saudis Endorse New U.S. Strategy for Iraq

The other issue, of course, is Iran. I know, I know, I just keep harping on
this one. But Mr. Bush\’s escalation is about expanding our Middle East policy
to include going after Ahmadinejad. Unfortunately for everyone, his actions
in the region are only strengthening Iran\’s power, while making the Sunni leaders
understandably nervous.

Steve Clemons offered this the other day.

Many I have spoken to from the defense and foreign affairs sectors from various Middle East states worry about well-disguised yet successful assassination attempts against Saudi or Jordanian leaders — throwing the Sunni regimes into turmoil and igniting national and regional rage that they feel will ultimately be anti-American, anti-occupation, anti-colonial, and of course, anti-Israel. A Glimpse at America\’s Brewing Nightmare with Iran

We need cooler heads, smarter minds, and a lot more diplomacy to get out of this one. John McCain, though a war hero, doesn\’t offer any of those qualities.