There’s that “surge” word again…. So, before I get to my major point, let me begin at the proverbial beginning of my inspiration for this diary entry.

Now, be honest. Regardless of who your favorite Presidential candidate might be, weren’t you really delighted when Wes Clark recommended a “smart surge” of diplomacy in his recent article* opposing George Bush’s proposed military surge in Iraq?

I certainly was, for several reasons.

First of all, I firmly believe that withdrawal from Iraq without a plan is no better than invasion of Iraq without a plan. In other words, we need a plan, people. We really do. Arrogance and ignorance have gotten us where we are today. Wes Clark understands that there are many other governments and many millions of people with a stake in what will happen next. He also realizes that we certainly do not have all the answers, including the best answers to the questions as to when and how we should bring our troops home. His call for vastly increased regional diplomacy is not just noble. It is virtually essential to the restoration of our lost credibility in international affairs.