Thomas L. Friedman: Dear Iraqi friends

[Ron Humphrey]

I read World is Flat and thought it was excellent, Barnett is also great for perspective on global dynamics and transformation, That said this article blew me away.

As an American it says everything I would want it to, It scratches an itch; I however am not Iraqi.

Exactly how much do you think the average Iraqi or even politician considers our "normal" standard of living (which IMO is whats being threatened right now ) in so far as the necessity category. So relevant to our current financial woes I'm not sure that would really concern them so much, especially given that the govt there taking over paying everything quicker means they get more say in how things will eventually go.

The line about WMD seems somewhat funny as well considering that although as "we the people" defined it WMD's weren't found but one would think a very large number of those in the country there actually witnessed the uses and even if everything had been destroyed probably would not have bought that line for fear of their experiences. So exactly what does this "acknowledgement" achieve in the discourse other than weakening the speakers position?

It seems amazing to me that so many assume that the Shia actually agree that they have to share, they don't thus the fears of the other two, which are outnumbered once we're gone. So how does threatening that we're going to do exactly that bother them?

Just somewhat confusing???

[Snowden]

You're of course right on his prominence as a pundit. There are few more respected names in the "industry", and its for good reason: he's compelling, fresh, and thought-provoking.

I've read World is Flat and I'm working my way through Hot, Flat and Crowded. He's got some good points when he has a book-length arena to work in. His columns, however, are far too often filled with lazy reasoning and appeals to emotions. In other words, just like most other columnists.

I suppose my beef is more with the entire cottage industry of columnists than with Friedman himself.

[DaveDoyle]

Ron is right. The "letter" has a targeted audience of American readers. The message would almost certainly not have an impact on an Iraqi population. One would have to assume they (Shia, Sunni, Kurd, and members of the IZ Government) have a dramatically different view on these issues. Friedman is bright and clever. I've read most of his books and believe he hits on some interesting points (the golden straightjacket is an interesting concept in light of today's financial dilemma). The fact that we are discussing this is probably what he is after. Can the letter be used to shape policy? Maybe not...