re: Optimism not in the program
C'mon Raoul, you'd think you were one of those dire pessimists employed by the US media.
Post war recovery is tough. Extra so because we did NOT kick the crap outa the place so there's less post war contrast as compared with WWII.
With all the pessimistic hand wringing pre-war you'd think the Cassandras woud give it a rest.
Both Iraq and Iran will be normal reqasonable states by the end of this decade - neither will be Isalmic republics.