Attitude Adjustment

Every so often I'll come across a gem from the past that's so precious it's worth noting. Generally, I'm not a big fan of "archive gotcha." But if someone holds himself out as an expert and perhaps has some influence with policymakers, his past musings are fair game since they help us determine his credibility.

Recently I posted this collection of goodies from Victor Davis Hanson's commentariat past. Victor was feeling a bit down today; read his post here about the prospect of "losing" in Iraq, which he seems to believe will result from doing anything other than hemorrhaging blood and treasure for the next few decades.

Since he continues to represent himself as someone worth listening to on Iraq -- and he doesn't hesitate to make policy recommendations on Iran -- here's part of Victor's previous prescription for winning in Iraq, which he wrote on April 7, 2003 (read the entire piece for a good example of Hanson's style: ponderous prose, little substance):

How can we restore order with casual shooting? As the methodical British approach suggests, by containing hostile pockets, restoring civil society and being almost disdainful of the presence of remnant enemies, we in fact further isolate resistance.

Ethnic and religious conflict? Troop strength? Inconsequential. It's all about the attitude. We know how the disdain worked out. Should we try a wry grin next?