An Offer Of Help We Should Refuse

Vladimir Putin has made a statement that an international force in Iraq would be acceptable to Russia but he goes on to condition his acceptance. He wants to see the UN play a greater role in reconstructing Iraq, particularly in "the process of democratization in Iraqi society and the creation of organs of power."

Sorry Vlad, but I think that that is an unacceptable compromise. The last thing the world needs is another French-style socialist state. Iraq needs to have a functioning government, not a utopian pipe dream. Every organization the UN has set up has ended up being some kind of laughable mess. But they're only laughable because the UN is only as significant as we allow it to be. The Iraqi government will be very significant to the lives of the ordinary Iraqis. Do we really want to saddle them with a UN creation?

The rest of the world still hasn't caught onto (or they don't want to catch on) the fact that when Bush says "no," he means "no." They don't seem to be catching that we don't want to hear from the peanut gallery. Countries that have a stake in the state of Iraq - countries like Britain and Australia - can influence our decision making. The final call is still ours, but since they're right there with us, we accord them the proper respect.

Bush has basically said that he's willing to bring other countries in under the same rules. We're not going to let France, Russia or the UN join the effort, after they refused to participate the first time 'round, with more power or authority than those who have been there with us through thick and thin. They have done nothing to earn special consideration and it should not be granted.

Sorry, Vlad. It's a great PR ploy to make yourself look better, but it's not a good move for us. Come back in a couple of months when you realize that we're serious about seeing this through the right way. Just remember to leave your conditions at home next time.