Bush and Rummy have misshandled the postwar period or at least appear to not because they disagree with it's purpose or overall impact. The majority do not seem to agree with your constaint refrain that the war was wrong or that it has decreased security. They resent the cost in lives and money of an troublesome rebuilding campaign.

Bush and Rummy

1) Had the wrong man in place to lead reconstruction. They at least thought so after the fact by replacing him with Bremmer. The problems were not eliminated under Bremmer so one must wonder if he was right either or if anyone could have done the job with the other constraints imposed by the Bush administration.

2) Had the wrong Iragi leader "chosen". It is for certain Challabi is no longer supported by the US although it is unclear how much the US wanted him to lead postwar Iraq.

3) Employed too few troops. That at least is the opinion of John McCain who I trust far more than Bush on many issues and many other people. The problem is more troops may have bread more resentment so this is not an obvious slam dunk should have. The right people for the job is also an issue as improperly trained people have cost lives and US credibility and a mere push for bodies may ave caused more of that. The fact is Rumsfield was pushing the armed forces in a direction that would have been even more incapable of handling Iraq prior to 911. I think he did a good job planning the battle phase, but a poor job handling the aftermath and is no longer the right man for the job.

Whatever the true solution to the problems are the fact is Rumsfield has failed to lead in a way that keeps the initiative on our side. The terrorists attacks are increasing in intensity. We should be changing and evolving tactics just as the terrorists are, not just hanging on for elections.

4) Failed win the hearts of the Iraqi people. There are a lot of reasons for this, but I it seems they have done very little to highlight the atrocities of the opposition who clearly not heros of the people unless then Sunni's want to see Shia civilians killed.

In short, we needed a change, but not for the worse like Kerry.

Regards,
Mark