wretchard:

Liberating Najaf is not a minor achievement and neither was wiping away the stain of the 1991 betrayal of Iraqi revolutionaries. I am skeptical that we can replicate the success of the Cold War in the Arab world, but it is possible if a democratic Iraq gains a robust military capable of defeating any of its neighbors. I think we need a “strong Iraq” policy; any talk of Iraq no longer being a threat to its neighbors ironically entices its neighbors to attack Iraqis with impunity. Iraq needs deterrent capability against its neighbors. I think the Bush administration did America a service by distancing itself America from its long-standing alliances with tyrants, the very same tyrants who promote terrorism against us.

I do think that ending the Iranian regime is important, for overthrowing KSA only to see Iran take over the Hijaz may be exchanging the frying pan for the fire. Still, we need to keep our eyes on the ball. I do think there is something insane about the Saudi Kingdom promoting air travel for the Hajj, for it is not inconceivable that some terrorist may hijack a hajji plane to do the “unthinkable”. KSA’s control over the Hajj can be and should be challenged by other Muslim states. America can help behind the scenes.