Iraqis Loathe Destruction and Murder, Puzzling U.S. Pilot

…We began this endeavor in Iraq out of a general consensus…to eliminate individuals, groups and regimes who commit or support terrorism -- and to deter those who might be planning to do so. It was deemed important, by both the executive branch and the Congress, to demonstrate American military power, and will, for a region that held American will in particularly low esteem.

…We must define success by the changed behavior that is occurring in the region and by the fact that Iraq is no longer a threat [sic] to the region or the world.

…Iraq continues to be a collectivity of separate families and clans. A seeming lack of concern for the future by many Iraqis is the most troublesome quality we encounter. There is a puzzling indifference to what we are doing and even to what their new political leaders are doing.

Maj. Scott Cooper, U.S. Marine pilot.

Jim Hoagland, “An Aviator’s Hope For Iraq,” Washington Post, 12/25/05.