In Afghanistan, the northern alliance provided the nuts and bolts of the offensive, but in Iraq no equivalent indigenous force exists, meaning Americans would suffer much heavier casualties. What’s more, the loss of life might be in vain, since there is no viable successor for Saddam waiting in the wings. In short, the Joint Chiefs of Staff think a war on Iraq is an all-around bad idea. President Bush should listen to his generals, and do his homework, when deciding how to deal with Saddam Hussein in the coming months.

Bob Lewis,

Lawrence