6 YEARS ON



Let us not forget who our friends at a time of tragedy and loss, but most importantly, let us not forget who takes joy in our despair

THE AMAZING RACE

I do admit that there was a time when I was a quasi-supporter of Bush, especially around the 2004 elections, when I believed that the Democrats had no vision or strength to bring to the political table. However, Saddam's execution, or should I say circus of an execution, was a milestone in my change of perception on the status of Iraq and the Bush adminstration's policy towards it. This is not to say that I am a popularist nor will I join the chorus of anti-Bush sentiment. However, I will say this, Shi'ite has hit the fan in Iraq to such an extent that one could slap a sticker on it reading 'Basket Case'.

The country is on the brink of civil war with sectarian strife and the plan of creating a beacon of democracy in the Middle East to counter fundamentalism has fizzled out. I cannot predict what will happen in Iraq or whether US troops will stay or leave, but I can say openly that the increase of 20 000 troops will not change the course of the war.

But in looking to the future, specifically 2008, the American populous and politicians will have to do some inner reflection on the future of their country's power and success in the global arena and in Iraq and the Middle East most importantly. The future Presidential candidate will have to be strong enough to challenge Teheran, Pyongyang and Damascus but will have to be careful not to put itself in the same boat as the past administration and its mistakes.

I believe the 2008 election will be one of the most deciding elections on the course of American history since Kennedy/Nixon 60'. And it should be interesting who will be in the race.

One thing is for sure, a right wing Cheneyist Republican will have no legs to stand this time round after the humiliation of the mid-terms. The Republicans will have to eat humble pie and come up with a new approach. The Democrats on the other side of the spectrum have the upper hand already but will have to support a leader who has balls to stand up to tyrant regimes. Is this Hilary?

I like Hilary and if she plays her cards right, which I think she is doing, she will run as the democratic candidate on the liberal, women, race, middle class vote. But who will challenge her? Connie is making some moves to run, but it would be a cliche to have an all women presidential election. We might as well get the jelly and turn it into a frat wrestling match. Who else? McCain? He doesnt have what it takes. The one candidate who I believe is the only Republican with the popularity and dynamism to run is Guliani. Yes, he is as liberal as a Democrat but he is still the hero from 911.

It would be the most intesting race ever, the mayor of New York v the Senator of New York. Some say New York is its own country from the States and this can't happen. I say my friend FDR, a new Yorker, ran for President and won 4 times.