Quote Originally Posted by walrus View Post
Without wishing to open up a debate on these points, I do not believe we have yet received a truthful and convincing explanation of why we invaded Iraq in the first place, assuming that such things exist. Nor has anyone shared with us a clear vision of what we wish our armed services to achieve.
Why don't we put that debate that we "don't want to have" in a bit smaller box to try to NOT have it.

Any lofty "truth" behind "why we invaded Iraq in the first place" can take a damn back seat to "what now?"

IO needs a compelling message, not some epic truth per se. Whether that is some lofty neo-con confessional, or just something that plays well in Peoria, depends on which O the IO is supporting. There not only could, but should have been some mission creep in the past 5 years.

So let's not make this a referendum on the past, but a way ahead for the future.