The problem here is really quite simple. Mr. Bush exaggerated the case for pre-emptive war and underestimated the cost of nation-building. This was a fundamental mistake that speaks to the competence (or lack thereof) of the current administration.

Frankly, there was no reason to rush to war. Hussein was not a threat to the United States and his capacity to cause trouble in the Middle-East was fully contained by U.N. sanctions and inspections. It would have been far cheaper in terms of lives and dollars to have let Mr. Blix continue his work.

And Iraq would have had a better chance at democracy if the impetus for it came from within - the result of a popular uprising, instead of being imposed by foreign occupiers. As it was, we fought their fight for freedom for them - a veritable free lunch that hasn't been earned by the people who might benefit.

The decision to unilaterally go to war was a bad idea. We will be paying the price for the bad judgement for many years to come, long after the Bush administration has departed (hopefully sooner than later).