Learning Lessons for Iraq in Vietnam: The War is Winnable?

Bush reports that he is learning important lessons in Vietnam about the war in Iraq. I for one think it's a good thing that Mr. Bush is catching up on 30 years of world history that he missed while he was serving his country in the Air National Guard, recovering from alcoholism, driving oil companies into the ground, and governing Texas and the United States. The lesson he's learning? That we failed in Vietnam because we left, and that we will succeed in Iraq by not leaving - liberty will succeed over hatred simply by waiting out the hateful.

As reported by The Associated Press, the New York Times:

The president said there was much to be learned from the divisive Vietnam War -- the longest conflict in U.S. history -- as his administration contemplates new strategies for the increasingly difficult war in Iraq, now in its fourth year. But his critics see parallels with Vietnam -- a determined insurgency and a death toll that has drained public support -- that spell danger for dragging out U.S. involvement in Iraq.

''It's just going to take a long period of time for the ideology that is hopeful -- and that is an ideology of freedom -- to overcome an ideology of hate,'' Bush said after having lunch at his lakeside hotel with Australian Prime Minister John Howard, whose country has been one of America's strongest allies in Iraq, Vietnam and other conflicts.

''We'll succeed,'' Bush added, ''unless we quit."

I hadn't realized we were fighting a war on hatred. That changes everything. When we were fighting terrorism, a tactic, I felt terrible about the war. But now that we are fighting a sentiment, I am totally convinced that we can win this thing.