So Basra and Sadr City have become the latest theaters in Iraq's inevitable slide into civil war. This current wave of violence is between factions within the country's Shiite community, demonstrating the continuing fractalization of internal strife in the country.
It's the Pandora's Box scenario envisioned by the foreign policy realists prior to the invasion of Iraq and dismissed out of hand by the neoconservative contingent. The present situation is exactly what the "surge" strategy was supposed to forestall, boosting troop levels as a means of generating a level of security in which political reconciliation and stability could take root. Yet even as events once again prove the limitations of conventional military superiority in dealing with counter-insurgency scenarios, the "success" of the surge approach continues to be trumpeted by the powers that be and the mainstream media's host of enablers.
If what we're seeing is supposed to be viewed as a success, then I clearly need to reassess my own life, as under those metrics it can only be an unending series of laudable accomplishments.
That incident a few days ago with the staplegun and my thumb? A triumph for Andrew-ocracy!
When I slipped on the pile of magazines the other night and nearly dislocated my shoulder? Mission accomplished!
My first semester in college where I tried my hand at majoring in physics? A series of victories, despite what the anti-Andrew biased report card might have said!
The time I deliberately provoked my wife and she mashed wet cat food onto my face? A resounding achievement!
When I was a kid and stuck a nail under the tire of my dad's car? A remarkable accomplishment, ruined only by my father's hectoring negativity!
I'm beginning to understand the allure of adhering to neoconservative ideology...
The Ankh - Before Success (from a 1982 single) - Female vocals and a minimalist gothy feel? Yes, please. I make no attempt to conceal my biases.
Iggy Pop - Success (from Lust for Life, 1977) - Mr. Pop wrote the lyrics but the sound bears the unmistakable influence of co-writer David Bowie. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, mind you...
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