Bob Schieffer on CBS's Face the Nation concluded with some reflection on Senator McCain's comments about Iraq. These were curious, but the lesson of Iraq, isn't just listening, but applying those lessons going forward to Iran. On the table is the "insight" of McCain from Vietnam and now Iraq. Indeed, Schieffer got it right: McCain's comments were obvious and needed to be said. But the "more obvious" point has been the failure to apply the "lessons of Vietnam and Iraq" going forward.

The President at Dayton mentioned Iran, distracted attention from the Iraqi civil war, and seems poised to continue a policy of confrontation with Iran. The US does not have the resources to stabilize Iraq; there's no credible basis for the US, in it weakened position, can expand one flawed adventure in Iraq against Iran. McCain, not as a candidate for President, but as a Senator in the Senate in 2008, has a duty to challenge this President's policies on Iran. Until Senator McCain demands the President now apply the "obvious" lesson of Iraq to Iran, McCain's comments should be taken as more political posturing without a credible basis to follow-through. Again, that is an "obvious" lesson of Vietnam and Iraq which McCain appears to "obviously" ignore.

McCain appears poised to repeat the false promises of the DNC: Talking about a nice theme of doing what makes sense. In practice, McCain and the GOP have not applied the lessons of Iraq or Vietnam to Iran: That of listening to and talking with Iran, as opposed to bullying this regional power. The US needs to engage constructively with Iran. To refuse would, in the words of McCain, miss the "obvious". However, rather than listening to Iran at the diplomatic table, McCain wants to keep all military options on the table. He hasn't explained why this is an "obvious" policy despite the "obvious" lesson to listen first, then formulate a policy, then evaluate your options. McCain appears to have "obviously" gotten this backwards.

Perhaps the 25% of DNC members who plan to support McCain over Obama or Clinton reconsider McCain's legacy on Iran. Then we'll discuss who missed the obvious.

DISCLAIMER

All,

The individual who posts this blog, testing, is a known spammer. He often posts comments that are unrelated to the topic being discussed and provides nothing to substantiate his opinions. Please be aware of this fact prior to wasting your time reading his dribble.