The term symbiosis implies a mutually usefull relationship, something for both parties in this case. In many cases the ultimate survival of the symbiotes is involved. Iraq desperately needs time to stabilize her infrastructure and weed out the homicidal fanatics in her midst. We can and have been, at great cost, providing some of the stabilizing structure needed for the above to happen. Some might say we are the cause of all the killing, but I disagree. We can be a focal point for our enemies to pin their rants on but many of the Iraqi obviously like what we are doing. From our perspective, IRAQ HAS OIL. Now that isn't too simplistic I hope. It also has a strategic site right smack in the middle of all the fanatic Islamic fundamentalists tribal areas or states if you will. Most of them would and do see Iraq as a festering sore of WESTERN thought. Any of that threatens the very existence of the power the mullahs hold over the minds and bodies of the residents. Since those folks want us all dead or converted. The ability to keep them off balance is almost as important as the oil.

POLITICAL NIHILISM. TODD.