Blow yourself..up

It's our fault. The vacuum of power in Iraq is, without any question, our fault.

But six years later, is it still our problem?

According to an Iranian cleric, the US is failing to maintain security in Baghdad. Well...really?

As my beloved Poke says, "People have been fighting over this shit since ancient times, dog."

I challenge the Iraqis to realize the following:
- Strong secular leadership.
- A government structure that provides vehicles for sectarian debate.
- Legal and social systems that give religious groups the freedom to practice whatever behaviors they choose, without inhibiting the choices of all citizens.
- Judicial and enforcement systems that consistently demand accountability from religious leaders whose followers make policy by social violence and disruption.
- Investment in social and educational infrastructure, even supporting those sects which choose to criticize the freedoms given to their fellow citizens.
- Independence from Western influencers.
- Global and regional role in furthering these principles, thereby reducing the polarizing political disagreements that result in armed conflict.