(1) In Afghanistan, the Taliban have been overthrown and a decent government installed.

(2) In Iraq, the Saddam regime has been overthrown, the dynasty destroyed, and the possibility for a civilized form of governance exists for the first time in 30 years.

(3) In Iran, with dictatorships toppled to the east (Afghanistan) and the west (Iraq), popular resistance to the dictatorship of the mullahs has intensified.

(4) In Pakistan, once the sponsor and chief supporter of the Taliban, the government radically reversed course and became a leading American ally in the war on terror.

(5) In Saudi Arabia, where the presence of U.S. troops near the holy cities of Mecca and Medina deeply inflamed relations with many Muslims, the American military is leaving -- not in retreat or with apology, but because it is no longer needed to protect Saudi Arabia from Saddam.

(6) Yemen, totally unhelpful to the United States after the attack on the USS Cole, has started cooperating in the war on terror.

(7) In the small stable Gulf states, new alliances with the United States have been established.

(8) Kuwait's future is secure, the threat from Saddam having been eliminated.

(9) Jordan is secure, no longer having Iraq's tank armies and radical nationalist influence at its back.

(10) Syria has gone quiet, closing terrorist offices in Damascus and downplaying its traditional anti-Americanism.

(11) Lebanon's southern frontier is quiet for the first time in years, as Hezbollah, reading the new strategic situation, has stopped cross-border attacks into Israel.

(12) Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have been restarted, a truce declared, and a fledgling Palestinian leadership established that might actually be prepared to make a real peace with Israel.

All I know for sure is that you're going to get attacked for posting this.

teller said:

Im on a roll today. Where did all those wonderful liberals go?

(5) In Saudi Arabia, where the presence of U.S. troops near the holy cities of Mecca and Medina deeply inflamed relations with many Muslims, the American military is leaving -- not in retreat or with apology, but because it is no longer needed to protect Saudi Arabia from Saddam.

(1) In Afghanistan, the Taliban have been overthrown and a decent government installed.

Decent government? They call it "Kabul country" because it doesnt really have any power outside of the capitol. by today, the Taliban forces have taken control of many regions in Afghanistan. Women are being surpressed like in the old days, in some cities they are now making ot illegal to consume music and TV.
Afghanistand is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Allied troops (espcially Germans) are being ambushed constantly and totally helpless. Taliban forces have even been firing missiles into Kabul.
About 8,000 civilians have died under the US bombings ... 7 million people are living in starvation as a direct result of the war. The whole country is covered with cluster-bombs... children are dying on a daily basis stepping in bombs and mines.
Nice job, Dubya.

(2) In Iraq, the Saddam regime has been overthrown, the dynasty destroyed, and the possibility for a civilized form of governance exists for the first time in 30 years.

Saddams regime is gone, only a fool could be unhappy about that. But for what price? US forces recently had to admit that they now are in Guerilla war. They are expecting a stay of at least 4 years and are planning to send more troops. So far they havent managed to stop the looting, violance, killing, rape, burglary. They have failed to provide health care, food supply and safety for the people. Although there is more than enough oil, the Iraqis dont get to see it.
There will not be a democratically elected government, as Bush has promised. Why? Because 80 percent of the Iraqis would vote for the Shi'ites -- a radical islamic ethnicgroup. Allthough they have suffered the mosz under Saddam, they are strongly opposing the US occupation and will rise against America soon.
There is a big possibility that the real war over Iraq hasnt even begun.

(3) In Iran, with dictatorships toppled to the east (Afghanistan) and the west (Iraq), popular resistance to the dictatorship of the mullahs has intensified.

There has been strong resistance over the past years, the strongest in 1999. Actually, the Mullahs are having the situation pretty much under control.

(4) In Pakistan, once the sponsor and chief supporter of the Taliban, the government radically reversed course and became a leading American ally in the war on terror.

They are currently harbouring Osama bin Laden and other 9/11 conspirators -- but they are not being invaded by the US. The fact that they got the A-bomb might be a reason. They are still a corrupt, brutal and criminal regime ... but they are America's best buddies now.

(5) In Saudi Arabia, where the presence of U.S. troops near the holy cities of Mecca and Medina deeply inflamed relations with many Muslims, the American military is leaving -- not in retreat or with apology, but because it is no longer needed to protect Saudi Arabia from Saddam.

... which is exactly one of the reasons for the war against Iraq. It was getting too hot for America there... the strong resistance against the occupation, and the fact that 18 of the 19 hijackers from 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia... Now that the US got its feet on the ground in Iraq, there is no need for abusing Saudi Arabia.

(6) Yemen, totally unhelpful to the United States after the attack on the USS Cole, has started cooperating in the war on terror.

After heavy sanctions and even more military threats.

(7) In the small stable Gulf states, new alliances with the United States have been established.

Clarify.

(8) Kuwait's future is secure, the threat from Saddam having been eliminated.

Great, another brutal islamistic regime which happens to be America's friend will remain unharmed because its selling its oil for one fourth of what the Iraqis were asking for.

(9) Jordan is secure, no longer having Iraq's tank armies and radical nationalist influence at its back.

Ask Jordans ruler how thankul is for that. He will tell you a different story.

(10) Syria has gone quiet, closing terrorist offices in Damascus and downplaying its traditional anti-Americanism.

Why? Because Rumsfeld and Bush were already targeting Syria. Their reaction to this threat is a sign of good diplomatic skills. But if you believe that they are loving America now... well, then you are watching the wrong movie.

(11) Lebanon's southern frontier is quiet for the first time in years, as Hezbollah, reading the new strategic situation, has stopped cross-border attacks into Israel.

Its obvious that you are not getting it. All these radical groups are on stand-by. They are watching Iraq closely, and the minute one spark flies, the whole region will go up in flames.

(12) Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have been restarted, a truce declared, and a fledgling Palestinian leadership established that might actually be prepared to make a real peace with Israel.

.. and you believe that this is Bush's achievement? Thats what he's selling you... and you are stupid enough to buy it.

Well you were partialy right with one of them...(5)

The other Eleven, you don't know what the f*ck you're talking about.

I'd say that many of these issues still have to play out for years before we can consider them a succcess. We are far from a truly peaceful middle east and that should be acknowledged...

Its acknowledged by all people in the world who have eyes to see and a brain to think.

But some people truly believe that "everything just went fine" (to say in the words of EWM).

Ubiquity said:

I agree that it will take a long while but I beleive that strides are being made in the right direction. contrary to what the doomsdayers say.

I agree that it will take a long while but I beleive that strides are being made in the right direction. contrary to what the doomsdayers say.

Doesnt look like so much of a failure to me...