When We Make War, How Can We Expect Peace?

Iraq had nothing to do with the terrorism event of 9/11, even though the administration convinced roughly 70% of the population at one time that there was an association. Now, of course, some extremists have congregated in Iraq—enraged at our unwarranted invasion and occupation. Many more violent forms of resistance are being carried out by Iraqis themselves, for the same reasons.

What is so difficult to understand about the concept of violence begetting violence? And why shouldn’t we think it applies to the international behavior of the United States? How could we possibly imagine that a military action of this kind could possibly bring anything but the response that it has?