Where is "burial of the dead" in this line-up? Or will that be on Day 2 or Day 3, owing to the overworked gravediggers not having dug enough holes?

After reading the article, I'm relieved to discover that occupation is not the front-running plan. But I'm appalled to find it in the running at all.

The "Japanese model" is not a viable one for Iraq.

The reasons occupation worked in Japan are many, but high among them was the personal surrender of Hirohito, who had been, literally, a god to the Japanese people. His behavior set an example of co-operation and acquiescence that greatly enhanced public acceptance of Japan's national surrender and allowed them to move forward honorably with American support.

Whether Saddam is looked at as a god by the Iraqis is dubious. Whether Saddam would surrender and take personal responsibility for the war upon himself are long-shot developments. Whether the Iraqis would internalize responsibility for the war because of the example set by any leader is also doubtful.

Iraqis are not Japanese, Tommy Franks is not Douglas MacArthur (another important wild card), and this is not 1945, when, in a world full of outhouses, the US was the only house in town with indoor plumbing.

Regards--
Mary Anne