Once in awhile the British press gets it right. Writing in the Times of London, columnist Tim Hames says he is optimistic about the long-term prospects in Iraq. Hames says there are five crucial factors pointing to success in Iraq.
First are resources. Iraq will be awash with financial support in a manner unknown since the Marshall plan.
Second is Iraq's economic infrastructure. Much as a devastated Europe following World War Two retained coal and iron, so petroleum will lubricate national revival.
Third is the merchant instincts of the population. Before Saddam Hussein and his goons arrived, Iraq was the principal trading nation of the region.
Fourth, Iraq has a history of pluralism and sophistication.
And finally is the legacy of tyranny. While many Iraqis cannot agree on the future, most agree they don't want to return to the past.
Staying the course and wiping out the terrorists is the best way to make all this happen.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
