The Foreign Service Journal, March 2005

and progress that would largely be financed by Iraqi oil revenues. The promoters of Operation Iraqi Freedom were blinded by illusions based on an excess of ideological zeal and minimal regard for the hard real- ities of Iraq’s troubled history and damaged social structure. They also minimized the importance of cultur- al differences between Americans and Iraqis in an atmosphere of intense nationalism. Just as remark- ably, they overestimated the toler- ance of the American public for sustained imperial adventurism. In short, the architects of U.S. strategy over-reached and underestimated the resources required to accomplish their ambitious objectives. Now it is the morning after, and we are feeling the hangover. The re-election of President Bush guaranteed continued influence for neo-conservative ideologues in the Bush administration — led by the vice president and top officials in the Defense Department. The recent departure from government of Secretary of State Powell and Deputy Secretary Armitage has removed the two senior administration officials with the greatest personal experience of the human cost of war. Nonethe- less, harsh realities on the ground in Iraq may instill a degree of hard-head- ed modesty that has been lacking. The Cold Dawn of Realism? U.S. domestic politics and strains on the armed forces provide arguments for Republican Party leaders in the Congress and elsewhere who might press the White House for an exit strategy. But we cannot sim- ply walk away from the problems of Iraq, a country of vast strategic importance. Especially since we made F O C U S M A R C H 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 35 There is a long list of things that Washington had in mind for Iraq that will be unattainable, at least in the near term. * per night, single or double occupancy subject to availability Y our search is over, choose a hotel where the federal per diem rate is available year-round. * t Luxurious Suites t All rooms with full size kitchen & stove tops t Fitness center t Complimentary in-room coffee t Full service restaurant t Parking available t Across fromMain State t White House, The Mall, and Metro Foggy Bottom station (blue & orange lines) within walking distance Accommodations State Plaza Hotel 2117 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: (800) 424-2859 (202) 861-8200 Parking Available Rated HHH 1 / 2 by AAA www.stateplaza.com E-mail: reservations@stateplaza.com