by Patrick J. Buchanan – March 3, 2003

Prophecy is difficult, especially with respect to the future, said Mark Twain. And after the president’s speech to the annual dinner here of the American Enterprise Institute – Politburo of the War Party – the question remains unanswered: What course does the United States intend to pursue, after U.S. tanks have rolled into Baghdad?

As for war itself, that decision has been made. The United States intends to invade and occupy a nation that has not attacked us, to reshape its society, rebuild its government, and redirect its foreign policy to reflect American ideals and serve American interests.